Bourdieu and Sayad Against Empire: Forging Sociology in Anticolonial Struggle

In their twenties, Pierre Bourdieu and Abdelmalek Sayad met during the Algerian war of independence. They developed a strong intellectual friendship driven by a desire to understand the world and change it. Their work focused on unveiling the relations of domination and opening emancipatory perspectives for the Algerian people. Despite the political context, they maintained scientific rigor and committed to political transformation. Amín Pérez's book explores the anticolonial origins of their social thought, highlighting their contribution to revolutionary pedagogy for social emancipation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

In the midst of the Algerian war of independence, Pierre Bourdieu and Abdelmalek Sayad crossed paths in their twenties. From their initial encounter, a profound intellectual bond emerged, nurtured by a shared quest to comprehend the world in order to bring about transformative change.

Bourdieu and Sayad's work was deeply rooted in the belief that knowledge must be put to practical use. Whether by exposing the intricate web of domination that shaped Algerian society or by offering emancipatory visions for the Algerian people, their objective was clear: to challenge the status quo and pave the way for a more equitable and just world.

While colonies had traditionally served as the backdrop for ethnographic research, Bourdieu and Sayad steadfastly refused to compromise on scientific rigor for the sake of political convenience. Even as Algeria descended deeper into the throes of war, they remained committed to their pursuit of understanding as a political commitment to societal transformation. At the core of their project lay the act of understanding itself, seen as a political act of commitment to the transformative power of society.

In his groundbreaking book, "Amín Pérez: The Anticolonial Origins of Bourdieu and Sayad's Social Thought," the author delves into the rich tapestry of these brilliant thinkers' anticolonial origins. Through extensive interviews and meticulous archival research, Pérez unravels the philosophical and political foundations that shaped their social thought. He argues that Bourdieu and Sayad forged a unique approach to politics, laying the groundwork for a revolutionary pedagogy that extended beyond the realm of anticolonial liberation to encompass genuine social emancipation.

Their vision was not limited to the liberation of a particular nation or region but aimed to address the broader systemic issues that perpetuated inequality and oppression. By challenging the dominant narratives and power structures, they sought to create a new paradigm for social change that would empower individuals and communities to thrive.

Bourdieu and Sayad's intellectual legacy continues to inspire and influence social scientists, activists, and policymakers worldwide. Their work serves as a reminder that understanding is not merely a theoretical exercise but a political act that demands commitment and action. As we navigate the complex challenges of our time, their ideas provide a valuable roadmap for building a more just and equitable world.

ISBN-13: 9781509557868