Inheritors and Outsiders: on the nobility of the Norwegian state

In this article, we discuss how Pierre Bourdieu's theory of fields can be applied in comparative studies of the field of power. Using Norway as our empirical case, we discuss typical methodological challenges one encounters when uncovering the structures of social space and the field of power. Thereafter, we focus on the fundamental, but often neglected difference between empirical and theoretical generalizations. By applying Geometric Data Analysis to the Norway Leadership survey of 2000-2001, we address two main issues: the thesis of the existence of a Norwegian political dynasty, whose members easily circulate between top positions and sectors in the Norwegian society, and the structural opposition between the 'inheritors' and the 'outsiders'. The results not only demonstrate the validity of Bourdieu's work outside French society, but also that his methodological approach may produce new insights about processes of societal change in societies other than France. Adapted from the source document.