Abstract

In this dissertation I argue that Pierre Bourdieu's reflexive sociology addresses aporias in contemporary social thought, and even within critical theory itself. Habermas and other critical theorists have stepped away from efforts to identify an emancipatory subject and uncover oppressive social practices. Bourdieu rectifies this situation not by looking to specific social groups to fill the role of emancipatory subject, but rather by arguing that subjects are rhetorically created and self-creating through power-laden discursive practices. Thus, Bourdieu's work embodied a new and more hopeful shift in contemporary critical theory. ;In this dissertation, a history of developments in critical social thought, beginning with considerations of the mode of production and concluding with discussions of the mode of communication, is presented. The emancipatory dimensions--both substantive and stylistic--of Bourdieu's writings are then examined. Finally, in an effort to radicalize Bourdieu, an integration of Bourdieu's work with that of Deleuze and Guattari is offered. This dissertation makes a significant contribution to the current body of work in this area because, although the ideas of Bourdieu are currently receiving significant attention on both sides of the Atlantic, the connections between his work and critical theory have rarely been explored. The emancipatory potential of his work is here foregrounded