Playing the Field

As we have discussed in class, Bourdieu’s core concept of Field pertains to the interaction of individuals within a given environment. More specifically, Field is the setting in which individuals compete for a higher hierarchal status and various forms of capital. His theories of Hexis and Habitus can therefore be understood as the “training” that either has or has not prepared individuals to succeed in their field.  

https://memegenerator.net/instance/56739778/giving-oprah-bourdieu-bourdieu-bourdieu

The Colby environment can be perceived as a Field, and the qualities and assets of students therefore contribute to their overall success. Fields, whether consciously or unconsciously, are always interacting with outside forces. Although Colby’s field is comprised of a slightly isolated, mall, tight-knit community; Colby interacts with outside fields. Here at Colby, a plethora of opportunities like off-campus study, internships, sports, and clubs prove the undeniable connectivity amongst different environments and Fields.  

While analyzing the data for my final research project, I wonder how the Everdeen environment interacts with outside forces. Given the fact that it is an elite international school, I assume Everdeen’s Field is extremely connected to other environments, whether those be other international elite institutions or other Australian schools in general. This leads me to ask: Are interconnected fields a product of globalization? If so, how can the interconnectivity of different fields, specifically elite schooling environments, contribute to the overall success of an individual? Is global interconnectivity always positive?  

I try to consciously remind myself of the limitations of my research. Because I was not physically able to observe the Everdeen environment and meet the students and teachers who were interviewed, I am at an inherent disadvantage entering the research process. I worry that my own bias may lead me to draw conclusions that may not be apparent in our data. I wonder, will my findings be swayed due to the fact that I never meet the interviewees and experienced the school’s environment firsthand? More broadly, are an individual’s Hexis and Habitus substantially influential when retrieving and analyzing data? These are the questions I aim to answer through the continuation of our group research project and evaluation of Bourdieu’s philosophies.  

In order to successfully connect our class discussion regarding Bourdieu’s theories to my research, I must remain skeptical as a researcher. I must also recognize my own personal bias when reviewing and analyzing data. Ultimately, a better understanding of Bourdieusian theories can enhance my research experience and neutralize any biases that may come about throughout the process.