Symbolic revolutions. Mobilizing a neglected Bourdieusian concept for historical sociology

Abstract The article builds on a recent literature that has sought to underscore the relevance of Bourdieu’s field theory for historical-sociological analysis. It draws attention symbolic revolutions, concept been given short shrift in this and even own expositions his field-theoretical apparatus. argues revolutions denote universal mechanism field-internal change which extends complements conceptual battery mostly structural universals fields. In synoptic reading work, fleshes out an ideal type with special regard its dialectical features. adds further analytical purchase by highlighting continuities parallels work Thomas Kuhn Karl Mannheim. Finally, it more studies other authors transformations psychiatric field, social human sciences, political are fact discussing instances revolutions. thus shows how can help identify common properties among highly heterogeneous phenomena, opening up new avenues investigations systematically relate general particular.