The Marks of Bourdieu’s Sociology in Brazil: From Arrival to Current Recognition

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the trajectory of Pierre Bourdieu’s sociology in Brazil, from its intellectual reception to the current situation in the references in the scientific field. There were three periods: the time of its arrival, in the 1970s; the incomprehension and resistance, in the following decade; which followed, in the years 1980-1990, to its scientific recognition and academic consecration. More than three decades later, the continuity of its influence using its sociological concepts was investigated. The methodology used was content analysis of primary and secondary sources: the author’s own representative bibliography, published widely in Brazil, and writings of his main interlocutors in the country. To analyze the persistence of Bourdieu’s theory in the decade 2010-2020, a bibliometric study of references to his works and concepts in the areas of social sciences, education, humanities and communication was carried out. The information was compiled from the Portal de Periódicos da CAPES and the Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações. It was shown that, even though it is still concentrated in universities in São Paulo, we currently observe a decentralization of references to Bourdieu’s sociology to other states, in number of dissertations and theses. The indicators of scientific articles showed a small decrease in references to Bourdieu’s works and concepts, while the indicators of theses and dissertations indicated an increase. These results of scientific dissemination and post-graduation show that the academic influence and prestige of Bourdieu’s sociology remains remarkable in Brazil.