Application of Bourdieuian theory to the inclusion of students with learning/physical challenges in multicultural school settings

Abstract

Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu has contributed much to the way the field of sociology understands the social rules and structures that guide human interaction and self‐understanding. Bourdieu’s work has also been applied to education, and disability issues. In this paper Bourdieu’s social theory is presented and applied to the notion of inclusion in a multicultural school. This Bourdieuian perspective is applied to the literature surrounding the development of a theory of inclusion in multicultural schools. Questions and implications suggest further research into the relationship between cultural and disability issues in inclusion.