Same same but different. The field theoretical approaches of Fligstein and Bourdieu and the potential of a mutually informed perspective for economic sociology

Abstract

Field theoretical approaches have become popular within economic sociology. Many even consider the notion of „field“ a suitable alternative to the hegemonic paradigm of „embeddedness“. This article outlines the epistemological potential of a field theoretical perspective by systematically comparing the approaches of Neil Fligstein and Pierre Bourdieu. By examining their respective contexts of emergence, their theoretical and methodological references, their research interests and their central concepts, both similarities and differences between the two approaches become visible. The resulting insights allow for a field theoretical and profoundly relational perspective on economic phenomena that might stimulate ongoing debates within economic sociology.