A ‘left behind’ habitus? understanding local political disengagement using Bourdieu

Abstract

Bourdieu’s theory of social reproduction is applied to interpret the structural conditions and experiences of citizens in ‘left behind’ places (LBP) along the Cumbrian coastline (UK). The findings from a longitudinal participatory study imply a ‘left behind’ habitus where citizens disengage with local and national politics. This suggests that place-based initiatives aimed at reducing spatial inequalities, such as Levelling Up and the current devolution agenda, will be ineffective without considering the subjective, physical, distance LBP feel from political institutions. Future research needs to explore relational strategies which align the local democratic field with local civic habitus to foster liberal democracy.