Reflexivity as a second movement

Abstract

This reading of Luc Boltanski's book, De la critique, tries to identify the" social moments" when reflexivity flourishes. It advances the hypothesis that, far from being continuously present in our actions, reflexivity mainly comes into play in situations that sidestep norms and the usual. In this sense, it can be said to be secondary to a preexisting reality and to be a complication in relation to the actions borne by institutions. It is essential to the social sciences to determine the equilibrium between routine and critical moments. Since these sciences ask questions of their informants and record their explanations, they tend to force the latter to adopt reflexive postures that they can usually do without.