Praxeological constructions of scientific knowledge

Abstract

In this text bodily cleanliness is used as an example on how analysis of the interaction between individual and structural aspects can generate scientific explanations on human actions. That means that studies starting point is the specific practical reality were individuals are acting. The explanations on the practices are sought in the agent’s positions and dispositions and in the light of the contemporary and historical field and the social space were the practices take place. This way of constructing knowledge on practices, Bourdieu calls praxeology.

In praxeological studies there are small distinction between method and theory, because the theoretical perspective is integrated into all parts of a study. For example, if one constructs a study in the light of Bourdieu's practice-theory, as in this study, this theory will shape the data-construction and the praxeological analyses, regardless of whether data is constructed using interview, observation, document analysis or other qualitative and quantitative methods.

That means that data that is constructed using various methods, are not truths, but material that must be analyzed in the light of theory.

In this text bodily cleanliness is used as an example on how analysis of the interaction between individual and structural aspects can generate scientific explanations on human actions. That means that studies starting point is the specific practical reality were individuals are acting. The explanations on the practices are sought in the agent’s positions and dispositions and in the light of the contemporary and historical field and the social space were the practices take place. This way of constructing knowledge on practices, Bourdieu calls praxeology.

In praxeological studies there are small distinction between method and theory, because the theoretical perspective is integrated into all parts of a study. For example, if one constructs a study in the light of Bourdieu's practice-theory, as in this study, this theory will shape the data-construction and the praxeological analyses, regardless of whether data is constructed using interview, observation, document analysis or other qualitative and quantitative methods.

That means that data that is constructed using various methods, are not truths, but material that must be analyzed in the light of theory.