A SYNTHESIS AT THE CROSSROADS OF SOCIOLOGICAL THOUGHT: BOURDIEU’S INTELLECTUAL DANCE WITH MARX, WEBER AND DURKHEIM

Abstract

Pierre Bourdieu’s sociological thought has been characterized by methodological and reflexive eclecticism, emphasizing the importance of establishing a dialogue between opposing theories. This practice of critical eclecticism allowed him to transcend the boundaries between different epistemologies and contribute to the development of a new sociological tradition. However, Bourdieu’s relationship with various traditions of thought in constructing his sociological theory goes beyond mere eclecticism. In this article, we position Bourdieu as a synthetic thinker and focus on some aspects of his relationship with the founding figures of sociological thought (Marx, Weber, Durkheim). Rather than identifying which theorist Bourdieu owes more to, our focus is on understanding the various influences that shaped his distinctive sociological framework.