Handbook of Economic Sociology
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"The Sociological Perspective on the Economy" by Smelser and Swedberg is about the scope of economic sociology. Economic sociology is defined by Weber and Durkheim, as the sociological perspective as applied to economics. Economic sociology is compared to mainstream economics and differences are noted. With economic sociology, all aspects are within a societal group. For example, economic action or constraint of action are within a social structure. For mainstream economics, actions result from rational assumption; market and economy are the basic references.This chapter also reviews the contributions of major figures. The history of economic sociology includes the works of Weber and Durkheim, and Karl Marx. Marx, a materialist, offered ideas that are central to the evolution of social economics. His concepts offered insight into the internal dynamics for the rise and evolution of capitalism. Modern sociologists, Parsons and Smelser, observed the gulf between economics and sociology. "Culture and Economy" by DiMaggio, offers additional information regarding economic sociology. The author states that generalization about culture and economy is fruitless; culture plays a variety of roles in economic life. It defines actors, institutions, means of action, and relationships. Culture complements and challenges economic reasoning and effects are ambiguous. Culture influences preferences, change and innovation with
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t was thought of as a price-making mechanism. Neo-Austrian economics saw the market as a process. Max Weber stated that economies needed to include the sociology of the market; in the 1970s social analysis of the market gained interest. Progress in understanding the social structure of markets exists but the market is still viewed merely as an exchange mechanism.
Chapter 12
"Capitalist Work and Labor Markets" by Tilly and Tilly, regards the market for labor services. The author defines work as any human effort adding use value to goods and services. Most work throughout history took place in household enterprises (farms, workshops), communities, and larger units (plantations, armies); labor markets did not tend to operate in these settings.
Currently a large part of work remains outside of labor markets (unpaid meal preparation). Changes in work have been due to technology, coercion, capital, social relations, and culture.
Labor markets form mainly under capitalism, a system of production where holders of capital, backed by law and state, make decisions regarding work. Capitalists have a large influence over the definition of jobs and control major sites of work; they have defined interests in the organization of labor proc
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Max Weber, Change Nelson, Shanahan Tuma, Environment Berger, Irwin Kasarda, Sociology Coleman, Light Karageorgis, Incentives Sorensen, Management Martinelli, Economy DiMaggio, economic sociology, organization theory, labor markets, informal economy, institutional economics, evolutionary theory, economic activity, rational choice, economic change, economic system, transaction cost economics, deals economics politics, property rights structure, rational choice theory, cost economics organization,
Approximate Word count = 4338
Approximate Pages = 17 (250 words per page)
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