The Sociology of Economic Life

by Mark Granovetter, Richard Swedberg

Overview

This book incorporates classic and contemporary readings in economic sociology and related disciplines to provide students with a broad understanding of the many dimensions of economic life. It discusses Max Weber's key concepts in economics and sociology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813344553
Publisher:	Westview Press
Publication date:	01/11/2011
Edition description:	Third Edition, Third Edition
Pages:	592
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

Granovetter, Mark | Swedberg, Richard

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Third Edition — Foundations of Economic Sociology — The Economy as Instituted Process — Economic Action and Social Structure: The Problem of Embeddedness — The Impact of Social Structure on Economic Outcomes — Max Weber’s Central Text in Economic Sociology — The Forms of Capital — Embeddedness and Immigration: Notes on the Social Determinants of Economic Action — The Sociology of Markets — The Bazaar Economy: Information and Search in Peasant Marketing — Human Values and the Market: The Case of Life Insurance and Death in 19th-Century America — The Transformation of Morals in Markets: Death, Benefits, and the Exchange of Life Insurance Policies — Economic and Sociological Approaches to Gender Inequality in Pay — Non-Contractual Relations in Business: A Preliminary Study — Social Structure and Competition in Interfirm Networks: The Paradox of Embeddedness — What Is Sociological About Banks and Banking? — Constructing a Market, Performing a Theory: The Historical Sociology of a Financial Derivatives Exchange — The Sociology of Firms and Industries — Group Dynamics and Intergroup Relations — Men Who Manage — Bureaucratic and Craft Administration of Production: A Comparative Study — Processing Fads and Fashions: An Organization-Set Analysis of Cultural Industry Systems — Inside-Out: Regional Networks and Industrial Adaptation in Silicon Valley and Route 128 — Comparative and Historical Economic Sociology — Weber’s Last Theory of Capitalism: A Systematization — Why the Economy Reflects the Polity: Early Rail Policy in Britain, France, and the United States — E Pluribus Unum? Varieties and Commonalities of Capitalism — Goodwill and the Spirit of Market Capitalism — Developing Difference: Social Organization and the Rise of the Auto Industries of South Korea, Taiwan, Spain, and Argentina — Transitions from State Socialism: A Property Rights Perspective

Editorial Reviews

Granovetter and Swedberg have done it again. In addition to the timeless classics, this new edition includes several important recent works as well as an expanded introduction. The Sociology of Economic Life will continue to be an ideal teaching tool for both undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as a valuable reference for scholars.”
—Mark S. Mizruchi, University of Michigan

Praise for Previous Editions:

“If I could select only one book to introduce students and scholars to the exciting field of economic sociology, it would be The Sociology of Economic Life. Granovetter and Swedberg have done an outstanding job of covering all the bases… Within one compact book, the reader finds an astute introductory essay, timeless classics, contemporary masterworks, and what's currently cutting edge.”
—Linda Brewster Stearns, University of California, Riverside

“The editors' superb brief introduction to this edition will orient the reader, and their expert literature addendum to each chapter will fortify the reader to join the rapidly moving fronts of economic sociology, for which Swedberg is perhaps the leading observer and Granovetter the leading essayist. This book reaches the beginning student as easily as a specialist.”
—Harrison White, Giddings Professor of Sociology, Columbia University

From the Publisher

Broad scope alternates with incisive analysis; long perspective with delicate timing. Even experts will find unsuspected treasures.

Harrison C. White

The Sociology of Economic Life usefully contributes...some of the more influential contributions of sociologists under one cover.

Oliver E. Williamson

A valuable reference for the expert and an invaluable text for the novice.

Work & Occupations

If I could select only one book to introduce students and scholars to the exciting field of economic sociology, it would be The Sociology of Economic Life.

Linda Brewster Stearns

The first edition was excellent, but this one is even better....My course will substantially benefit from this revised version.

Mark Mizruchi

The readings chosen for this book do a good job conveying the richness, vitality, and breadth of economic sociology.

Bruce Carruthers

The revival in recent years of the study of economic institutions from a sociological and cultural perspective is now capped by the publication of this volume.

Daniel Bell

Granovetter and Swedberg remind us that economic sociologists are resolved not to leave the study of what we usually call ‘the economy’...to the economists.

Paula England