habituses

Habitus refers to a concept developed by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. It describes the deeply ingrained habits, skills, and dispositions that we possess due to our life experiences. These are acquired through socialization, particularly within our family and social class, and shape how we perceive and interact with the world. Habitus is not consciously chosen but is rather a set of predispositions that guide our actions, judgments, and tastes.

It is learned rather than innate, and it operates on an unconscious level. This means that individuals often act in ways that are consistent with their habitus without necessarily thinking about why they are doing so. For example, someone raised in a particular social class might develop specific tastes in music, food, or art that are characteristic of that group. These preferences are not necessarily a conscious decision but rather a reflection of their habitus.

The concept of habitus helps explain how social structures are reproduced through individual actions. Because our habitus influences our choices and behaviors, we tend to perpetuate the social conditions that shaped us. Bourdieu argued that habitus creates a sense of "naturalness" around social practices, making them seem like common sense or personal preference rather than socially constructed norms. Understanding habitus is crucial for analyzing social inequality and how it is maintained across generations.