Towards a democratic equality. A dialogue between Lefort's and Bourdieu's perspectives

Abstract

The central aim of this work is to problematize the question about equality, for which Claude Lefort's and Pierre Bourdieu's perspectives will be put into dialogue. This will allow the paper to point out the productivity and interest of the little-explored relationship between these two thinkers, who present many points of contact. Also, it enables an approach to equality that shows its intertwining with the concern for freedom and sorofraternity. In this way, this paper seeks to contribute to the discussion about democracy, with the goal of strengthening and expanding it. In pursuit of this objective, the text begins by tracing two parallel paths, which cover how each of these authors treats the question of equality. Then draw bridges between the two, especially around their approaches to the symbolic and the place they give to the “revolution”. Through these materials, this paper advocates for a Realpolitik of equality – which is also of freedom and sorofraternity – that democratizes our society, which demands revolutionizing our here and now.