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The broad field of economic sociology focuses on sociological explanations of economic activity. Many early classical economic theorists (ex. Adam Smith and David Ricardo) are not considered to be “sociologists,” but their ideas had a profound impact on early social theorists, such as Karl Marx.

This course will show students the connection between an economic and sociological perspective on the world. Classical sociological theorists such as - Marx, Weber, and Durkheim - where interested in capitalism’s influence on societies. We will begin to analyze economic sociology where they left off, and discuss the differences between classical economic scholars: how the economic perspective formed against the sociological one, and what they have in common. We will touch on some of the far reaching topics relevant to the economy and society, including, time permitting, health and the economy, the environment and the economy, and an introduction to such contemporary fields as cliodynamics.

The sociological context of economic institutions affects how they develop. Polanyi used the term “embededness” to explain how the economy has become a part of social institutions.