The Implication of Bourdieu's Theory of Practice for Leisure Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to illustrate the effectiveness of Pierre Bourdieu's sociological theory and encourage more holistic use of his concepts of habitus, capital, field, and symbolic violence in leisure research. We briefly review the manner in which leisure researchers have utilized Bourdieu's work. Second, we apply Bourdieu's notions of habitus, capital, field, and symbolic violence to understand inequitable participation in hunting activities in American society. We conclude by offering recent issues in recreational hunting and recommendations for practitioners based on interpretations of Bourdieu's concepts.

Keywords:

• Bourdieu
• habitus
• hunting
• symbolic violence
• theory of practice