Bouglé

Bouglé refers to the sociological concept of "encirclement" or "social distance," primarily associated with the French sociologist Célestin Bouglé (1870-1940). Bouglé's work focused on understanding how societies maintain hierarchy and difference through the creation of social boundaries and the treatment of certain groups as being "outside" or "marginal" to the dominant social order.

The concept emphasizes the ways in which societies define "us" versus "them," and how those definitions lead to differential treatment, discrimination, and social exclusion. Bouglé argued that the experience of being “encircled” has profound implications for the identity, opportunities, and social participation of individuals and groups positioned in such a way.

While not directly using the term "encirclement" or "social distance" explicitly in all his writings, Bouglé’s analysis of caste systems, racial inequalities, and social hierarchies provides the theoretical foundation for understanding how societies actively construct and maintain boundaries. His analysis highlights the dynamics of power and the ways in which dominant groups can solidify their position by marginalizing others.

Bouglé's work is significant in the study of inequality, prejudice, and social stratification. It offers a framework for examining how societies create and reinforce social boundaries, and how these boundaries impact the lives of those who are "encircled." His insights remain relevant for understanding contemporary issues of social exclusion and discrimination.