Revisiting Cultural Reproduction in Great Expectations: Implications for Psychological Development and Social Health Inequalities

Dr. A. N. Rahimi

Abstract:

This research discusses about culture reproduction in the Charles Dickens’ novel “Great
Expectations” and aims to find out the process of culture reproduction in the novel Great
Expectations. The researcher used culture reproduction (habitus and field concept) theory
of Pierre-Felix Bourdieu. This research focuses on culture reproduction occurred in Great
Expectations. The data were analyzed using a descriptive qualitative method to identify,
describe and analyze the data that found in the novel Great Expectations. The researcher
used coding sheet as the instrument to find out the valid data. This research conducted to
answer the problems that concerning how the culture reproduction occurred in the novel.
The findings show that there are some phenomena which supported the process of culture
reproduction occurred according to Bourdieu, as following the phenomena of culture
reproduction in the old and new culture based on habitus and field concept and its
dialectical relation. The researcher concludes that the dialectical relation between old and
new habitus, the old and new arena (field) or between unwillingness to return to old life
and also unwillingness to live in new life makes Pip get in a new phase of life by bringing
his old culture and current culture.