Homo Habitus

Abstract

In order for change to occur, there must be individuals or groups within the academy that think differently about it—and are not uptight about upsetting academe. That is, there need to be individuals or groups that do not share the widely held social dispositions and cognitive structures that generate perceptions, appreciations, and actions in academe, namely, academic habitus. However, this is much easier said than done as most who persist (or succeed) in the academy over the long run share a habitus. “Professors tend increasingly to think alike,” comments Louis Menand, “because the profession is increasingly self-selecting.” “The university may not explicitly require conformity on more than scholarly matters, but the existing system implicitly demands and constructs it.” In short, thinking and acting differently within academe generally selects one from the group. Thus, if one values a role within academe, he or she will adapt to its habitus.