

Università Cattolica Aperta
Studio di ricerca ufficiale
Centro di ricerca e studio COU


6 settembre 2025
From Class Society to Corporation: Bourdieu's Theory in the Age of Digitalization, Globalization and Precarization
Abstract:
This study examines the continued relevance of Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of social inequality in the context of 21st-century transformations such as digitalization, globalization, and precarization. It begins with a reconstruction of Bourdieu’s central concepts—capital, habitus, and fields—and evaluates their applicability to contemporary forms of inequality. Particular attention is given to digital divides, transnational capital flows, and the instability of precarious labor markets. The findings suggest that while Bourdieu’s model remains a powerful tool for explaining the reproduction of inequality, it reaches its limits in addressing emerging digital forms of capital, fluid habitual structures, and hybrid global economies. Comparative perspectives with theories such as Beck’s Risk Society, Castells’ Network Society, and Fraser’s analyses of digital capitalism reveal both the enduring strengths and the shortcomings of Bourdieu’s framework. The study concludes that Bourdieu’s approach must be expanded with new concepts—such as digital capital and transnational fields—to fully capture present realities.

Questo studio di ricerca riflette il lavoro accademico e le conclusioni dell'autore, che sono di sua esclusiva responsabilità. Il Catholic Open University Research & Study Center non avalla necessariamente i risultati, le interpretazioni o le opinioni espresse. I ricercatori sono incoraggiati a pubblicare i loro studi nell'ambito della nostra missione volta a promuovere la conoscenza, promuovere lo scambio accademico e supportare la crescita intellettuale.

