Theoretical Framework

Theoretical frameworks may not be essential for all types of research however Borgatti (1996) argues theoretical frameworks are important and considers them essential for any research as they guide and give direction to that research by ensuring all appropriate aspects and issues are included. While they are more critical in deductive research, this is not to say they may be dismissed within inductive investigation and qualitative or interpretivist studies. According to Borgatti (1996) theoretical frameworks are equally if not more important within inductive investigations and that we operate out of conceptual frameworks which bias what we tend to or are mindful of.

There are two reasons why theoretical frameworks are important here. First, know how little you think you know about a topic, and how unbiased you think you are, it is impossible for a human being not to have preconceived notions, even if they are of a very general nature..… These fundamental beliefs about human nature affect how you look at things when doing personnel research. In this sense, you are always being guided by a theoretical framework, but you don't know it. (Borgatti, S., 1996) This is a qualitative research project, which will use a case study methodology, within an interpretivist paradigm and therefore is not seeking to prove or disprove any particular theory. It, nonetheless, will be analysed by me and therefore my own a priori knowledge will have some part to play. In previous research Marxian theory was central to my analysis of research findings. I have been influenced by the approach of the Frankfurt School which sought to broaden Marxist philosophy

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and hence allow a greater understanding of social change in capitalist societies. In my analysis and interpretation of the data of this research I have also been influenced by Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, Ken Robinson and Paolo Freire. Issues will be viewed through a lens which takes account of power relations and dominance, hegemony and habitus. I will endeavour to apply Bourdieu’s theory of ‘power relations’ where distinctions and differences in taste, consumption and behaviour are seen to reproduce and reinforce positions of a dominant class. More specifically, I will use Bourdieu’s capitals namely social, cultural and symbolic

capital to enquire whether any value was added for students pursuing HE in FE

and how this might be used to make a case for such provision.

In helping to understand and analyse the data I use the theories of Bourdieu to investigate whether ‘power relations’ had any part to play in this evolution of HE within FE. Bourdieu’s theory of field, capital and habitus will be employed in an effort to analyse and established meaning. Emirbayer and Johnson (2008) advocate the use of Bourdieu’s theories for organisational analysis and state

The primary advantage of such an approach, we argue, is the central place accorded therein to the social conditions under which inter--and inter- organisational power relations are produced, reproduced ,and contested (2008, P 1)

Schwartz (2007) argues that while the impact of Bourdieu’s theories on the social sciences has been substantial they have rarely been used for empirical research. Yet frequently these concepts have been theorised outside the research context and abstract from the relational framework in which Bourdieu developed them. They offer the best insights when used relationally and applied in actual empirical research.

Bourdieu (1984, P 170) argues that the ‘conditions of existence produce different habitus’ and that these are applied to practice. He states that ‘the habitus is internalised and converted into a disposition that generates meaningful practices and meaning giving perceptions.’ Oppositions within the structure form the structuring principles of practice and perception.

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… The practices engendered by the different habitus appear a systematic configurations of properties expressing the differences objectively inscribed in conditions of existence in the form of systems of differential deviations which, when perceived by agents endowed with the scheme of perception and appreciation necessary in order to identify, interpret and evaluate their pertinent features, function as lifestyles. (Bourdieu 1994, P 170)

Bourdieu’s diagram shows how habitus is not only a structuring system for perceptions and practices but also a structured structure which organises our perception of the social world. I intend to apply Bourdieu’s ‘habitus and the space of lifestyles’ in my analysis of the data which relates to the development of higher education within the further education sector.

46 Figure 3

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3.2 Theoretical Issues

The following review investigates theoretical perspectives of power relations and social capital. It is my intention to use the theoretical concepts of field, capital and habitus as part of my analysis. I will begin by giving an overview of some of the thoughts and theories of Pierre Bourdieu with an overview of habitus and field theory and then conclude with some of the thinking in relation to types of capital which include cultural and social forms. The approaches of Coleman and Putnam to social capital will also be explored in relation to that of Bourdieu.