ABSTRACT
Bourdieu argues the effect of stamping processes of class reproduction with a seal of normative approval, since it would appear in this way that the elite is constituted of the best and the brightest, testified to by the almost universally recognized sign of achievement education. The German contribution, for instance, draws largely on the notion of elite education in the sense of educational institutions which aim to be elitist in school terms, through their admission requirements, or a specified focus on identifying and educating 'gifted pupils'. Many sociological concepts double as lay concepts, which calls for some epistemological vigilance. Durkheim set the example of developing rigorous conceptualisations so as to avoid smuggling unscientific notions into the research process. Aarseth forcefully shows the significance of the broader structures of privilege for processes of reproduction. In parental attempts to create a sound foundation for their children, this is largely achieved through mothers giving up full-time work to dedicate themselves to home-making.
