Socialization of Habitus: A Dialogue Between Norbert Elias and Pierre Bourdieu

Abstract

The aim of this reflection was to identify and analyze similarities and divergences between the works of Norbert Elias and Pierre Bourdieu through the concept of habitus. This study brings up sociology of education, more specifically, it is a venture about the concept of habitus and its inseparable relations with the socialization process. Even though the sociological projects by each author are distinct, the intention is to highlight that they resemble each other, especially in what concerns the epistemological construction of the social world operation and its relations with the constructions of individuals. In order to justify the arguments and due to the fact that it is a reflection in the socialization field, we first present an interpretation of the authors’ scientific paths. Second, we develop the central issue: the concept of habitus and its not-so-distinct formulations. We conclude, with brief remarks, about the gains of this endeavor.