Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamics

This paper advances the theory of Configurational Field Analysis (CFA) as a reconfiguration of Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory, aiming to address the limitations of Global Field Theory in analyzing the complexities of global and transnational phenomena. While the concept of the Global Field extended...

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Main Author: Abbas Jong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-12-01
Series:Frontiers in Sociology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1496197/full
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author Abbas Jong
Abbas Jong
author_facet Abbas Jong
Abbas Jong
author_sort Abbas Jong
collection DOAJ
description This paper advances the theory of Configurational Field Analysis (CFA) as a reconfiguration of Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory, aiming to address the limitations of Global Field Theory in analyzing the complexities of global and transnational phenomena. While the concept of the Global Field extended Bourdieu’s ideas to transnational and global arenas, it has been critiqued for its structural determinism, Eurocentrism, and its inability to fully capture the fluid, indeterminate, and contingent nature of global social dynamics. In response, this paper introduces social configurations as dynamic, relational constructs that emerge from specific historical and contextual conditions, rather than as fixed and universal structures. By integrating the concept of social configurations into field theory, CFA reconceptualizes social spaces as fluid and contested arenas where power, capital, and influence are continually negotiated. The paper proceeds by revisiting the foundations and critiques of Global Field Theory, followed by the introduction of social configurations and their theoretical advantages. Finally, it presents Configurational Field Analysis as a comprehensive framework, detailing its analytical steps and demonstrating its applicability to contemporary global issues. This framework not only addresses the methodological and analytical gaps in Global Field Theory but also offers a more adaptable and context-sensitive approach for understanding the complexities of global interactions.
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spelling doaj-art-25f91e8f8696453798b779e0558db2832025-08-20T02:50:27ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Sociology2297-77752024-12-01910.3389/fsoc.2024.14961971496197Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamicsAbbas Jong0Abbas Jong1Department of Social Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, GermanyDepartment of History of Philosophy, Patrice Lumumba People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow, RussiaThis paper advances the theory of Configurational Field Analysis (CFA) as a reconfiguration of Pierre Bourdieu’s field theory, aiming to address the limitations of Global Field Theory in analyzing the complexities of global and transnational phenomena. While the concept of the Global Field extended Bourdieu’s ideas to transnational and global arenas, it has been critiqued for its structural determinism, Eurocentrism, and its inability to fully capture the fluid, indeterminate, and contingent nature of global social dynamics. In response, this paper introduces social configurations as dynamic, relational constructs that emerge from specific historical and contextual conditions, rather than as fixed and universal structures. By integrating the concept of social configurations into field theory, CFA reconceptualizes social spaces as fluid and contested arenas where power, capital, and influence are continually negotiated. The paper proceeds by revisiting the foundations and critiques of Global Field Theory, followed by the introduction of social configurations and their theoretical advantages. Finally, it presents Configurational Field Analysis as a comprehensive framework, detailing its analytical steps and demonstrating its applicability to contemporary global issues. This framework not only addresses the methodological and analytical gaps in Global Field Theory but also offers a more adaptable and context-sensitive approach for understanding the complexities of global interactions.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1496197/fullsocial fieldsocial configurationglobal field theoryconfigurational field analysisPierre Bourdieuindeterminacy
spellingShingle Abbas Jong
Abbas Jong
Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamics
Frontiers in Sociology
social field
social configuration
global field theory
configurational field analysis
Pierre Bourdieu
indeterminacy
title Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamics
title_full Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamics
title_fullStr Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamics
title_full_unstemmed Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamics
title_short Configurational Field Analysis: a new approach to global field dynamics
title_sort configurational field analysis a new approach to global field dynamics
topic social field
social configuration
global field theory
configurational field analysis
Pierre Bourdieu
indeterminacy
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2024.1496197/full
work_keys_str_mv AT abbasjong configurationalfieldanalysisanewapproachtoglobalfielddynamics
AT abbasjong configurationalfieldanalysisanewapproachtoglobalfielddynamics