Economics Quote by Pierre Bourdieu
““Unlike sociology, a pariah science that is always under suspicion for its supposed political leanings, and from which the powerful expect nothing but a minor, generally somewhat ancillary knowledge of techniques of manipulation or legitimation, and which, as a result, is less exposed than other disciplines to demands likely to threaten its independence, economics is always more of a state science and is, as a result, haunted by state thinking: being constantly preoccupied with the normative concerns of an applied science, it is dependent on responding politically to political demands, while at the same time defending itself against any charge of political involvement by the ostentatiously lofty character of its formal, and preferably mathematical, constructions. It””
About This Quote
Source Book: Distinction, 1979
Economics is portrayed as a discipline tightly linked to state power, constantly responding to political demands while trying to appear neutral through formal, mathematical methods.
In simple terms: Economics is seen as a state‑influenced science that hides its political nature behind formalism.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question the political influences behind economic theories.
Themes
politics
economics
state influence
methodology
independence
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- academic research
- public discourse
- government advisory
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
state theory
political economy
normative analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does formal modeling conceal political bias?
- Can economics be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective
Economics may still produce objective insights despite political pressures.
