Scientific events, power relationships and practices of researchers

Abstract

The aim of the article is to discuss theoretically the power relationships that materialize themselves in practices carried out
by researchers in scientific forums, based on the Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of production, reproduction and distinction in
the scientific universe. We assume that events are instances of reproduction of scientific activity in which power relationships
are intend to maintain and perpetuate positions attained. We conducted a literature review on the nature, size, functions and
organization of scientific forums as instruments that enable the production and dissemination of knowledge. We point out that
ideological components are determinant of unequal relationships between the dominant and dominated in the scientific
forums, while ratifying the dynamics of social reproduction. We discuss how power relationships develop in the acts and
discourses that constitute researchers’ practices during scientific forums, particularly the scenic resources of actions and the
scientific effects of representations of domination.