In recent decades, China has become a quasi-capitalist economic powerhouse. Yet it continues to be ruled by the same Communist Party-dominated government that has been in power since 1949.

The everyday practice of photography by millions of amateur photographers -- the family snapshots, the holiday prints, the wedding portraits -- may seem to be a spontaneous and highly personal activity. But Bourdieu and his associates show that few cultural activities are more structured and systematic than the social uses of this ordinary art.

We have long been told that corporations rule the world, their interests seemingly taking precedence over states and their citizens.