Sociology of Capital and the Social-Educational Field and its Relationship to Some Demographic Variables: A Field Study

Abstract

The concept of capital is one of the most prevalent social concepts in Marxist social theory, which seeks to interpret society as a unified whole. Consequently, it is classified as one of the major social theories that have dominated global social thought. Postmodern social thought, introduced by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, breathed new life into the traditional connotations and meanings of the concept of capital within a framework of social analysis that shifted from the whole to the part. This led to a multiplicity of capital concepts, moving from a single type associated with economic materialism and singular interpretations of society to multiple forms of capital (cultural capital, social capital, and symbolic capital). Each type of capital plays an active role in different social fields (political, cultural, economic, educational, religious, etc.). The process of social interpretation and analysis of these different social fields has become more realistic and objective in reaching concrete realities within each field. The rules of the game regarding empowerment, leadership, membership, and the exercise of functions and roles differ from one social field to another. Therefore, accessing and understanding the workings of each field requires Understanding the capital, scientific, technical, and social qualifications, and the tools and means of membership and empowerment possessed by individuals within each social field, through the process of analyzing, interpreting, and understanding issues of conflict, cooperation, competition, social relations, and different roles, ultimately leads to uncovering the hidden social realities within that field, The current study focused on analyzing the reality of the educational institution and what goes on inside it in terms of functional roles and complex social relationships related to upbringing and the demographic environment, and its role in achieving the desired goals.