Description
Book SynopsisThe everyday practice of photography by millions of amateur photographers -- the family snapshots, the holiday prints, the wedding portraits -- may seem to be a spontaneous and highly personal activity. But Bourdieu and his associates show that few cultural activities are more structured and systematic than the social uses of this ordinary art.
Trade Review"At his best Pierre Bourdieu observes the world like an acerbic novelist, and
Photography is Bourdieu at his best - its insights into the popular use of the camera still offer the delights of recognition and a valuable reminder that cultural studies need the empirical and theoretical underpinnings provided by good, Durkheimian sociology."
Simon Frith "Interesting ... in its scope and insights." The Guardian
"Pathbreaking [and] intriguing." Times Higher Education Supplement
Table of ContentsPreface.
Introduction.
Part I: .
1. The Cult of Unity and Cultivated Differences (Pierre Bourdieu).
2. The Social Definition of Photography (Pierre Bourdieu).
Part II: .
3. Aesthetic Ambitions and Social Aspirations: The Camera Club as a Secondary Group (Robert Castel and Dominique Schnapper).
4. Mechanical Art, Natural Art: Photographic Artists (Jean-Claude Chamboredon).
5. Professional Men or Men of Quality: Professional Photographers (Luc Boltanski and Jean-Claude Chamboredon).
Notes.
Index.
