The Social Structures of the Economy

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book The Social Structures of the Economy by Pierre Bourdieu, Wiley
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Pierre Bourdieu ISBN: 9780745681658
Publisher: Wiley Publication: March 10, 2014
Imprint: Polity Language: English
Author: Pierre Bourdieu
ISBN: 9780745681658
Publisher: Wiley
Publication: March 10, 2014
Imprint: Polity
Language: English

Much orthodox economic theory is based on assumptions which are treated as self-evident: supply and demand are regarded as independent entities, the individual is assumed to be a rational agent who knows his interests and how to make decisions corresponding to them, and so on. But one has only to examine an economic transaction closely, as Pierre Bourdieu does here for the buying and selling of houses, to see that these abstract assumptions cannot explain what happens in reality.

As Bourdieu shows, the market is constructed by the state, which can decide, for example, whether to promote private housing or collective provision. And the individuals involved in the transaction are immersed in symbolic constructions which constitute, in a strong sense, the value of houses, neighbourhoods and towns.

The abstract and illusory nature of the assumptions of orthodox economic theory has been criticised by some economists, but Bourdieu argues that we must go further. Supply, demand, the market and even the buyer and seller are products of a process of social construction, and so-called ‘economic' processes can be adequately described only by calling on sociological methods. Instead of seeing the two disciplines in antagonistic terms, it is time to recognize that sociology and economics are in fact part of a single discipline, the object of which is the analysis of social facts, of which economic transactions are in the end merely one aspect.

This brilliant study by the most original sociologist of post-war France will be essential reading for students and scholars of sociology, economics, anthropology and related disciplines.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Much orthodox economic theory is based on assumptions which are treated as self-evident: supply and demand are regarded as independent entities, the individual is assumed to be a rational agent who knows his interests and how to make decisions corresponding to them, and so on. But one has only to examine an economic transaction closely, as Pierre Bourdieu does here for the buying and selling of houses, to see that these abstract assumptions cannot explain what happens in reality.

As Bourdieu shows, the market is constructed by the state, which can decide, for example, whether to promote private housing or collective provision. And the individuals involved in the transaction are immersed in symbolic constructions which constitute, in a strong sense, the value of houses, neighbourhoods and towns.

The abstract and illusory nature of the assumptions of orthodox economic theory has been criticised by some economists, but Bourdieu argues that we must go further. Supply, demand, the market and even the buyer and seller are products of a process of social construction, and so-called ‘economic' processes can be adequately described only by calling on sociological methods. Instead of seeing the two disciplines in antagonistic terms, it is time to recognize that sociology and economics are in fact part of a single discipline, the object of which is the analysis of social facts, of which economic transactions are in the end merely one aspect.

This brilliant study by the most original sociologist of post-war France will be essential reading for students and scholars of sociology, economics, anthropology and related disciplines.

More books from Wiley

Cover of the book The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Introduction to Imprecise Probabilities by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book The Official ACT Prep Guide 2019-2020, (Book + 5 Practice Tests + Bonus Online Content) by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Igniting Customer Connections by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Troubleshooting Process Plant Control by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book The Fitness of Information by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book The Intelligent Enterprise in the Era of Big Data by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Audits of 401(k) Plans by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Gardens and Landscapes in Historic Building Conservation by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Vital Signs for Nurses by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book The Greening of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Applications for Mental Disorder Treatments by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Practical Guide to Equine Colic by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Problem Solving and Data Analysis Using Minitab by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book A History of American Poetry by Pierre Bourdieu
Cover of the book Intelligence in An Insecure World by Pierre Bourdieu
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy