Revisiting social reproduction theory: application to the Portuguese case

Abstract

Reproduction Theory as presented in the 1970 work of Bourdieu and Passeron is reexamined, and its theoretical and empirical validity is discussed. Comparison with other international perspectives on the sociology of education shows more similarity than difference. The relevance of the Theory is then explored with regard to contemporary Portuguese society, based on recent research in social mobility, curricula development, and teaching-learning processes. We conclude that a revised theory of social reproduction that includes a socio-historical perspective offers powerful heuristic virtues for our understanding of educational systems and their relationship with social structures.