Pratiques

Pratiques is the plural of pratique in French and refers to ways of doing things, methods, or habitual actions within a given context. The term encompasses both everyday routines and formal procedures, marking the actual application of knowledge, skills, or rules rather than theoretical reflection alone. It is used across many domains to describe how activities are carried out in practice.

Etymology and scope: Pratique derives from Latin practic-us and entered French through Old French, acquiring a broad sense of tool, skill, and action. In contemporary usage, pratiques can denote techniques, customs, routines, or institutional procedures that shape everyday life and professional work alike. The expression frequently appears in discussions of culture, organization, and policy, where the distinction between what is taught (theory) and what is done (practice) matters.

Contexts in the social sciences and philosophy: In sociology and anthropology, pratiques refer to the enacted patterns that constitute social life, such as rituals, work habits, and consumption practices. The concept is closely linked to theories of habitus and structure, illustrating how repeated actions become socially meaningful. In philosophy and critical theory, praxis denotes the synthesis of theory and action—emphasizing the transformative dimension of human activity—while pratiques covers broader social and ethical activities beyond strictly theoretical debate.

Applications and examples: Pratiques appear in discussions of professional life (professional practices), cultural life (cultural practices), medicine (medical practices), agriculture (agricultural practices), and business (business practices). The expression “bonnes pratiques” signals established standards aimed at quality, safety, and effectiveness, such as bonnes pratiques de fabrication in industry and healthcare. Overall, pratiques is a versatile term whose precise meaning depends on context and disciplinary perspective.