ECONOMIC sociology, SWISS franc, HETERODOX economics, SOCIOECONOMICS, SOCIAL factors
Abstract
This paper seeks to demonstrate to what extent an academic approach that borrows from economics and sociology is heuristic in terms of fully understanding monetary issues. Contrary to authors that consider money to be neutral, this article emphasizes that money is a ‘total social fact’. Hence, it focuses on three meanings of money through the theoretical framework of Schumpeter and various French institutionalists. It also focuses on the Swiss case, which is particularly relevant because money plays a significant role in order for such a country to foster prosperity and create social links. Finally, there is clearly a high usefulness of a pluralistic approach on the monetary issue for heterodox economists. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
ECONOMIC sociology, SOCIOECONOMICS, SOCIOLOGY, SOCIAL groups, SOCIAL institutions, SOCIAL norms
Abstract
In this commentary from sociology, I argue that whilst Lux and Sunega's (2022) plea for "pragmatic socio-economics" is an interesting starting point towards a more interdisciplinary study of issues related to housing market inefficiencies, it makes theoretical sense to strife towards a more ambitious integration of sociology and economics. Contrary to universally applicable emotional, cognitive or even physiological mechanisms, social norms are intricately interwoven with the institutional context in which different social groups enact them. Though "universal" social norms historically lie at the basis of variegated institutional arrangements, the latter over time develop in ways reflective of initial and evolving power relationships. Analyses of recursive relationships between institutions and social norms ideally include issues of power. I illustrate the potential of such a more integrated approach by presenting a "case" from the politics of welfare and labour market reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]