Mapping [Capital v.2.0

Abstract

This chapter explores the benefits of a theoretical and methodological encounter between Bourdieu's concepts of capital, Deleuze's line of thought, and Marxist activity theory, particularly the Russian strand by Ilyenkov and Leontjev. Bourdieu, Deleuze, and Ilyenkov share a common denominator in Marx. In a contemporary light, Bourdieu's sociological concepts reflect an effort to readdress issues of class and practice as raised by Marx. The author claims that development of Marxist activity theory benefits from such an encounter, especially in educational research. The expanded concept of capital is exemplified through the optic of an educational Danish project. The author intends to show how the expanded concept of capital resonates with the theoretical framework of activity theory. He also shows how development of Marxist activity theory benefits from the methodological construct of capital. Bourdieuian and Deleuzian perspectives lead to the construction of a new structural map of events.