ABSTRACT

Luc Boltanski is a leading figure in the field of pragmatic sociology, known in particular for his work on justificatory discourse and the new forms of networked capitalism that characterize the contemporary world. Boltanski works and publishes with other pragmatic sociologists, and in this chapter focuses on two of his major books, On Justification and The New Spirit of Capitalism. On Justification represents an attempt to theorize the processes of justification, critique and compromise that unfold between different social actors, based on the fact that reaching agreement is a pre-condition for any well-functioning mode of organization. The New Spirit of Capitalism provides an explanation for how capitalism is able to continually reproduce itself despite constant opposition, and maps the changing nature of capitalism particularly since the mid-twentieth century. Boltanski opens doors to exploring how public relations work supports the three pillars of capitalism – stimulation, security and moral justification – in different contexts, thereby enabling capitalism to adjust and survive.