Social Movements and Symbolic Power: Radicalism, Reform and the Trial of Democracy in France

by J. Girling

Overview

The important theories of Pierre Bourdieu and Alain Touraine, discussed in this book, seek to explain and resolve the 'crisis of democracy'. They start from a critique of structural inequality in political, economic and social fields - so much in contrast to democratic principles. But their theoretical perspectives and social conclusions diverge. Bourdieu insists on the radical overthrow of dominant institutions and their control of knowledge ('symbolic power'). Touraine advocates reformist cooperation as well as contestation between social movements and political institutions. Their different approaches provide compelling insights into the 'democratic deficit' of modern society, that is, inability to overcome the widespread discrimination affecting women, the weaknesses of the environmental movement, persisting educational inequalities and the precarious nature of work in a global economy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781349516872
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	01/01/2004
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2004
Pages:	171
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

JOHN GIRLING is a Researcher at the Australian National University and has written on Southeast Asia (especially Thailand), revolution and insurgency, U.S. foreign policy towards the Third World, corruption in theory and practice, political myths and French politics and society. He has been awarded fellowships in Singapore and at Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Introduction Social Critique: Discrimination and Inequality Touraine and Bourdieu: Two Perspectives Social Change: Radicalism or Reform Rights of Women: A Case Study Conclusion Appendix: Structure/Action Theories of Alain Bourdieu, Touraine, Giddens and Archer: A Comparison