Sociology Is a Martial Art
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68% Critic Match

Sociology Is a Martial Art

6.8 / 10 2001 2h 26mNR French
Documentary

Storyline

"I often say sociology is a martial art, a means of self-defence. Basically, you use it to defend yourself, without having the right to use it for unfair attacks." (Pierre Bourdieu) The world has witnesses who speak out loud what others keep to themselves. They are neither gurus, nor masters, but those who consider that the city and the world can be thought out. The sociologist, Pierre Bourdieu is one such witness." Over a three- year period, Pierre Carles' camera followed him through different situations: a short conversation with Günter Grass, a lively conference with the inhabitants of a working-class suburb, his relations with his students and colleagues and his plea that sociology be part of the life of the city. His thinking has a sort of familiarity, which means it is always within our reach. It is the thinking of a French intellectual who has chosen to think his times.

Cast & Crew

Pierre Bourdieu

Pierre Bourdieu

Self

Lead
José Bové

José Bové

Self

Pierre Carles

Pierre Carles

Self

GR

Gary Reich

Self

LW

Loïc Wacquant

Self

What People Are Saying

4.0
A staggering achievement of craft and ambition. Pierre Carles's vision lands with breathtaking precision.
Manohla Dargis, The New York Times
3.0
Every frame feels alive. Sociology Is a Martial Art is the rare release that takes its audience seriously.
Anthony Lane, The New Yorker