Politics, publicity and social movements in the works of J. Habermas and P. Bourdieu

Abstract

Modern social movements should be considered in the context of the existing public sphere, the main theorists of which are J. Habermas and P. Bourdieu. The article analyzes various aspects of the functioning of the public sphere, examines the role of mass media in the formation of the public sphere and the orientation of public opinion. Using the example of social movements in France, the author examines how the public sphere affects the functioning of social movements. Nowadays, the media largely determines the agenda and controls public debate. Besides, the experience of each person is completely mediated by the communication means. At the same time the media is largerly influenced by politics and, as a result, the public sphere loses its functions. Nevertheless, the public of organized individuals could become an effective participant in public communication, through which it is possible to legitimize the achievement of political compromises. The author concludes that social movement's analysis should be focused not only on the political, economic and social causes of demonstrations, but also on the public sphere in which they exist. In addition, the discourse constructed by the mass media is not only imposed on society, but belongs to it. Each person contributes to its creation, and social media platforms play an important role in this. If public discourse is the result of the activity of many actors, then it is necessary to consider the possibility of interference in its construction.