KRLS 304: Habitus, Field and Dramaturgical Analysis

What is habitus?

The ingrained habited, skills, and dispositions that we acquire through upbrining and socialization

-It feels natural, but it is actually socially shaped and embodied in how we move, act, and think

What does habitus explain?

Explains why some sports feel natural to certain people but foreign to others - its social background written into the body

What is field?

Structured social space - like a mini-world - with its own rules, hierarchies, and struggles for recognition

WHat does field do?

-Defines what counts as success and who holds power

-The field sets the "rules of the game" - not just on the court, but in who gets to play, coach, or lead

What is capital?

Resources that give people an advantage in a field. Not just money - it's anything that counts as valuable in that space

What are the 4 types of capital?

1. Economic capital

2. Cultural capital

3. Social capital

4. Symbolic capital

What are the 3 part of economic capital?

-Money

-Property

-Material resources

What can economic capital look like in sport?

Equipment, training fees, club membership, travel, physiotherapy, specialized training

What are the 3 parts of cultural capital?

-Knowledge

-Skills

-Cultural "know-how"

What are the 3 forms of cultural capital?

1. Embodied

2. Objectified

3. Institutionalized

What does embodied mean?

Style, confidence, tactical knowledge

What does objectified mean?

Equipment, clothing, or possessions

What does institutionalized mean?

Formal qualifications (coaching licenses, degrees)

What are the 3 parts of social capital?

-Networks

-Connections

-Relationships

What can social capital look like in sport?

Being connected to scouts, alumni, or influential coaches through friendships or family connections

What are the 4 parts of symbolic capital?

1. Prestige

2. Honour

3. Recognition

4. Legitimacy

-Symoblic is seen as an expert/best in this particular field

What can symbolic capital look like in sport?

Medals, championships, MVP titles, olympic fame.

What can symbolic power do?

Can give you symbolic power over others

-Allowing you to shape norms and opinions

What is capital conversion?

Forms of capital can be transformed into one another

What are some examples of capital conversion?

Economic --> cultural: paying for private coaching increases skill

Cultural --> symbolic: mastery of skills brind recognition

Symbolic --> economic: fame turns into sponsorship deals

Social --> economic: connections help land contracts or scholarships

What is the heart of bordieu's theory?

Habitus = dispositions you bring

Field = the arena with its rules

Capital = currency you need to succeed

When habitus and capital fit in the field, athletes thrive. When they don't they struggle or get excluded.

What is the habitus, field, capital, and outcome for women in coaching?

H: Women tend to have more collaborative, empathic leadership styles

F: Coaching reqards authoritarian, masculine-coded styles

C: men often have more social capital via the old boy's networks and are seen to have more symbolic capital

O: Women face barriers, even if skilled

What is the habitus, field and outcome of class and golf?

H: Middle-class and upper-class kids raised with gold-etiquette

F: Golf values cultural/social capital (manners, connections)

O: Athletes from working class or low income families feel excluded even if talented.

What is the formula?

Habitus + capital --> success (or struggle) in the field

What is dramaturgical analysis?

-Erving Goffman's dramaturgical perspective (1959) sees social interaction as a theatrical performance

-We are all "actors" presenting ourselves in different settings

What are the 4 key elements of dramaturgical analysis?

Front stage: where we perform for an audience

Back stage: where we step out of the role

Audience: those watching

Impression management: controlling how others perceive us

What is an example in sport and leisure?

Simone biles

Front stage: Put together, determined

Back stage: mental health struggles

What is an example in leisure?

Social media

-Influencers performing for the cameras

-Brand deals

-When they are not filming, very different things happening

What is impression management in sport?

-Athletes and teams carefully manage image

-Press conferences (scripted answers)

-Endorsements require athletes to align with brands