Bourdieu turns his attention to the academic world and offers an analysis of modern intellectual culture. The academy is shown to be not just a realm of dialogue and debate, but also a sphere of power in which reputations and careers are made, defended and destroyed. Bourdieu examines the social background and practical activities of his fellow academics, from Foucault, Derrida and Lacan to figures who are lesser known but not necessarily less influential. Bourdieu analyzes their social origins and current positions, how much they publish and where they publist it, their institutional connections, media appearances and political involvements."