La Teoria social de la religió de Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002)

Abstract

Although the Bourdieus social theory of religion is a very limited part in all his work, the author deals extensively by the constructivist paradigm. This paradigm is based on two heuristic models, the playing fields that shape the social geography and the various types of capital, not only economic but also educational, cultural, artistic, religious, etc. Thus, the symbolic capital of language allegorically explains the genesis and reproduction of myths and religious rites. Bourdieu is at an equilibrium point between Marx, Durkheim and Weber, although he relies mainly on the latter and, more specifically, on his treatise of bearers of religions. Thus, he reduces the religion to its institution, and ultimately to its hierarchy. Especially in the interpretation of some isolated facts from which we could deduct a misunderstanding of the Catholic Church, which has the majority in his own country. Finally, we briefly discuss some reductionism in his social theory, from its application to religion.