Pierre Bourdieu, who's currently the most cited sociologist in the world, dedicated his life to the study of social inequality, stratification, and various aspects of human society. Here's a brief description of his life and work:

Born in 1930 in the Béarn region of the French Pyrénées, into a rural community, despite his father being a small government official, Pierre Bourdieu was a brilliant student and hard worker, gaining admission to elite schools where he had Michel Foucault as a classmate.

In 1955, he became a teacher at a secondary school in France and later conducted sociological research in Algeria in 1958. By 1960, Bourdieu was working at the University of Paris and in Lille. In 1964, he became the director of the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, later known as the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS).

In 1975, Bourdieu established a new French sociological journal, Actes de la recherche en sciences sociales, which was interdisciplinary and innovative in its use of visual materials. His 1979 publication of "La Distinction: Critique sociale du jugement", with an English translation in 1984, made him a globally recognized sociologist.

In 1981, he joined the Collège de France, following in the footsteps of Raymond Aron, the first sociologist admitted to this prestigious institution. During the 1990s, Bourdieu gained recognition beyond academia for his critiques of modern media and his advocacy for anti-globalization.

Bourdieu became increasingly active in political discussions, opposing neoliberalism and promoting alter-globalization. He traveled extensively and gave numerous lectures, making him a well-known and frequently cited sociologist.

In 2001, a documentary film by Pierre Carles, tired "La sociologie est un sport de combat" was released in Paris, shedding light on his work. When Bourdieu passed away in January 2002 due to lung cancer, his death got overwhelming attention in the French media.

Selected Works in English

• "The Inheritors: French Students and Their Relation to Culture" (1997)
• "Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste" (1984)
• "Language and Symbolic Power" (1991)
• "An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology" (1991)

Bourdieu's Key Concepts

• Cultural Capital: The accumulation of knowledge, skills, and cultural experiences that can be passed down to future generations.
• Habitus: A system of dispositions formed by an individual's upbringing and social environment, influencing their behaviors and perceptions.
• Field (Champ): A dynamic arena in society where individuals or groups compete for resources and recognition.
• Social Class: Bourdieu's work is rooted in the Marxist tradition, emphasizing the enduring importance of social class in contemporary society.

Legacy

Pierre Bourdieu's work continues to influence sociology, cultural studies, and various other fields, as his concepts and ideas provide valuable insights into the complex interplay of social structures and individual behaviors. His critical perspective on inequality and cultural capital remains highly relevant in understanding modern societies.