Habitus, Situations, and Actions

Re-examination of the Theory of Habitus, Focusing on Discussions about “Potentiality”

Abstract

The theory of habitus is helpful to explain the various actions performed in various situations. However, the notion of habitus is considered to be weak with regard to providing such explanations. I re-read Bourdieu’s discussions and focus on “potentiality” to examine how the theory of habitus explains actions performed in various situations. Bourdieu’s theory of action notes the potentialities inscribed in the relation between habitus and situations. I consider the potentialities in the relation between habitus and situations and attempt to understand the relation among habitus, situations, and actions. The findings of the study are as follows. Habitus comprises a system of potentialities, and situations also contain numerous potentialities that can be executed in the near future. Actions are not defined only by the potentialities of habitus; however, the intersection of the potentialities of habitus and the potentialities of situations directs an agent’s actions. Even in situations of change, agents find few potentialities between habitus and that situation and manage such situations. Focusing on the discussion about potentiality, we can understand that the theory of habitus explains actions performed in various situations. Bourdieu’s theory has “potentialities” that could connect to the present-day situations.