Economic Sociology Research Articles

Why broker novel concepts into economic sociology? Transcending the New Economic Sociology

This Current Sociology Monograph draws together six articles that broker novel concepts into economic sociology. To orient this enterprise, this article examines the concepts of creativity and novelty in social theory and explains why it is challenging work to broker concepts across intellectual communities. To understand the existing boundaries across which one could broker, it next describes how the subfield of economic sociology has been shaped by the separation of economics and sociology as distinct fields, which ultimately led to a decline of sociologists studying the economy. Two counter-acting organizational forces that sought to institutionalize a subfield of economic sociology was the formation in the mid-1970s of the International Sociological Association’s Research Committee on Economy and Society (ISA RC02), and the institutionalization in the mid-1980s of the New Economic Sociology. The latter became a global brand exported from the United States that eclipsed the former. The New Economic Sociology, a community of scholars primarily based in and focused on the United States and typically indifferent (if not skeptical) to neo-Marxist approaches and international political economy, became globally associated with what constitutes economic sociology (and what is not). Consequently, it would be beneficial to broker in concepts to economic sociology beyond the historic limitations of the New Economic Sociology.

Economic Sociology and Management in the spectrum of modern managerial and economic ideas

The article is devoted to the radical transformation of the structure of knowledge in modern economic sociology and managerial theory, to the transition from slender hierarchies of ideas (the top of which consists of a small number of axioms, and the base of which consists of multiple specific recommendations) to the postmodern market of concepts. The authors made a comparative analysis of such transformation in economic sociology and managerial theory, revealed general regularities and specific factors that determined the difference between the scientific fields of these science. The latter include: 1) subjects conducting scientific research (in managerial theory, along with scientists, managers, consultants, people somehow connected with business were engaged in such practice), 2) a terminology of sciences (in managerial theory, a specific language for communication between managers and employees was actively created), 3) the use of marketing and PR-technologies to promote ideas. The totality of these factors determined a special “landscape” of the subject areas of economic sociology and managerial theory.The article concludes that despite the existing problems caused by multiparadigmality, the emerging “flexible” format of socio-humanitarian knowledge opens new opportunities for creativity in rapid changes of social reality, obsolescence of classical approaches to its cognition, as well as the realization of the variety of phenomena and processes in the field of economics and management.In such situation, each scientific team should choose its own special place in the exhibition of ideas, create its own “exhibits” attractive to the scientific community and the general public. Among the variety of topical and demanded research directions, the article identifies three key thematic blocks reflecting the scientific priorities of the Department of Economic Sociology and Management of Moscow University: 1) institutional changes and institutional context of socio-economic and managerial processes, 2) aging population and digitalization as key factors of economic and management transformation, 3) socio-economic processes and phenomena in the mirror of digital communication.

Neither gift nor loan: the strategic use of pseudo-formality at the nexus of intimacy and economy

Abstract In this paper, I introduce the concept of pseudo-formality as a novel form of relational work in economic sociology. Pseudo-formality refers to the performative use of formal aesthetics, such as contracts and repayment plans, in financial exchanges between close ties—as both parties tacitly understand that the agreement is flexible and not legally binding. I argue that pseudo-formality works by leveraging the signaling function of formal market elements in a way that contradicts their typical purpose, allowing for the compartmentalization of the economic and social aspects of the exchange. Through two complementary vignette experiments, I demonstrate that pseudo-formal framing enhances the perceived dignity of the recipient and the respect conveyed by the giver, compared to formal, informal, or gift-based arrangements. This effect partially mediates the relationship between the type of exchange and its overall acceptability. This research contributes to relational work perspectives in economic sociology by identifying a prevalent but understudied strategy for navigating the intersection of intimacy and economy, and highlights the adaptability of economic forms for relational purposes. The findings have practical implications for interpersonal exchanges as well as the design of financial assistance programs and policies, suggesting that pseudo-formal structures can provide a dignified and empowering means of support.

The Faculty of Sociology in the Russian sociological education system: 35 years of leadership.

This article reflects the achievements of the Sociology Faculty of Moscow State University, which has been a recognized leader in the Russian sociological education system for over 35 years and trains professional sociologists who are in great demand in the modern labor market. Over the past 5 years, 1,287 Russian students (816 bachelors and 471 masters), as well as 368 foreign students, whose influx is constantly growing, have received a start in professional life. The author notes that the feature of learning is a harmonious combination of fundamental and applied knowledge, theoretical and empirical skills, which is typical for classical university education. In its educational and scientific activities, the Faculty of Sociology of Moscow State University relies on a combination of fundamental scientific knowledge and empirical skills that allow students to be not only practitioners capable of processing and analyzing data, but also theorists who understand deep social processes. The education system of the Faculty of Sociology is constantly being modernized to meet the challenges and requirements of modernity. In this regard, special attention is paid at the Faculty of Sociology to the introduction of new educational technologies, including the network form of educational programs, project-based learning, distance learning technologies, and e-learning. The article presents in a systematic form the achievements of the departments of the Faculty of Sociology, as well as the results of the scientific activities of the entire faculty, which are reflected in numerous monographic publications, publications of articles, as well as in reports at international and all-Russian conferences. Many monographs published by faculty members have become bestsellers. Among them: a monograph by N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev “Revolutions and coups d’etat: theory, history and practice”, a monograph by N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev “Historical Russia: territories and prospects”, monographs by S.O. Elisheva “Sociology of Religion in Imperial Russia” and “Imperial Statehood — the fate and mission of Russia”, a collective monograph by the staff of the Department of Modern Sociology “Social inequality in the modern world: new forms and features of their manifestation in Russia”, collective monographs of the Department of Economic Sociology and Management “The older generation in post-industrial realities” and “Artifacts of organizational culture”. The Faculty of Sociology of Lomonosov Moscow State University takes an active part in the joint development of the Innovative Scientific and Technological Center of Moscow State University “Vorobyovy Gory”, contributed to the launch of negotiations between the INTC of Moscow State University and major representatives of the real sector of the economy. He pays great attention to the preservation of the cultural and historical heritage of Russia, the popularization of traditional values for the Russian mentality. A landmark platform for the implementation of this direction was the Vvedensky Stavropol Monastery “Optina Pustyn”, in the spiritual and educational center of which professors of the faculty N.G. Osipova and S.O. Elishev gave public lectures. The author highlights in detail the directions of international cooperation of the Faculty of Sociology and activities that help attract applicants.

Exploring the Role of Business Incubators to Sustainable Startups: A Systematic Literature Review

Business incubators play a crucial role in fostering the sustainability and growth of early-stage startups. They provide access, financial support, training, infrastructure, connections with investors, and more. However, many business incubators do not effectively maximize startup potential. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the key characteristics contributing to the role of business incubators in promoting sustainable startups. The study will follow the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and employ document analysis integrating multiple research designs, based on established standards. It will compile and analyze 68 articles from global sources, utilizing open-access articles and accessing primary databases such as Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus for article retrieval. Through content analysis, this study identified fifteen main categories that significantly impact startup businesses: (1) financial support, (2) business support and services, (3) networking support, (4) mentoring activities, (5) infrastructure, (6) human capital, (7) access to knowledge and information, (8) social values and environment, (9) marketing capabilities and support, (10) technology support, (11) entrepreneurship education (courses and curriculum), (12) programs, projects, and events, (13) research and development support, (14) government policy support, and (15) legitimacy involvement. The findings highlight five main aspects—financial, business, networking, mentoring, and infrastructure—as crucial for effective startup support and implementation. From an economic sociology perspective, these articles discuss the dynamic roles of business incubators, emphasizing urgent factors and essential designs for success in the face of future challenges.

APPROACHES TO DEFINING THE SOCIOECONOMIC PARADIGM AS A CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The relevance of the topic is linked to the fact that socialization remains a global trend in economic development. However, in the context of the VUCA and BANI world, the task is not only to recognize changes and adapt to shifting circumstances, but also to make rational decisions, set new goals, and apply new algorithms. In such conditions, the socio-economic paradigm acts as a conceptual model of economic development. It represents a paradigmatic framework for studying socio-economic processes through the application of methodological approaches from disciplines such as economic sociology, economic theory, economic psychology, institutional economics, behavioral economics, and others. Therefore, the task of clarifying its content becomes relevant. The aim of the article is to identify and characterize the conceptual foundations of the socio-economic paradigm and the methodological approaches to its substantiation. The article outlines the content of the socio-economic paradigm as a conceptual model of economic development. It describes its substantive premises, reveals the cause-and-effect relationships between economic and social processes, defines the methodological approaches for studying and comparing socio-economics with other paradigms of economic development, and highlights the need to study the degree of influence of social sciences on the economy and the economy on social processes. It is proven that the economic version of socio-economics assumes that the social sphere, as well as various social processes, not only affect the economy but are also dependent on it, and this dependence requires economic evaluation. Socio-economics represents a scientific field that studies the patterns of modern economic life in the context of moral imperatives and criteria of social justice. The object of socio-economics is defined as economic activity carried out at different territorial and organizational levels, while its subject is economic relations regulated by moral and ethical requirements, attitudes, and prescriptions.

International comparative analysis of the industry-education relationship in vocational education and training: From the perspective of economic sociology

The relationship between industry and education serves as a focal point in research on vocational education. Previous studies using rigid Weberian ideal types of behavior struggle to capture the complex realities and notable variations both within and across developing countries and often fail to consider the impact of educational systems and the connection between education and employment. This article endeavors to introduce a new framework for international comparative analysis through the lens of economic sociology. This analytical framework examines three key dimensions: the readiness and capacity of industries to engage in vocational education, the willingness of students to enroll in vocational education, and the influence of labor market and education institutions on both industries and students in relation to vocational education. Its purpose is to explore the relationships and critical factors that affect the interactions between industry and education in Germany, the US, and China. The findings can be summarized as follows: In the US, industry has a relatively low demand for a skilled workforce and a diminished inclination to invest in vocational education and training (VET), and the willingness of students to engage in VET is also relatively low. Certain characteristics of US labor market and education system also present significant challenges for the industry-education relationship in VET. In Germany, the industry has a relatively high demand for skilled workers, and there is an interest in investing in VET, and some students are willing to choose VET. The labor markets and education systems in each country also affect the involvement of stakeholders in VET. In China, a more mixed picture can be observed, with a closer similarity to the US in terms of the industry-education relationship in VET, with the exception that the government plays a more active role in this.

Let's innovate! but for what value(s)? Towards an economic geography of valuation in markets and society

In an endeavor to comprehend the socio-economic origins of the value added created within and between territories, economic geography has tended to overlook how value is itself socio-economically constructed in space. I claim, in line with economic sociology and pragmatist market theories, that the socio-economic construction of value should be at the core of our contemporary understanding of innovation to address not merely the economic issues of globalization, but also the grand societal challenges we face today. Value creation should not be regarded as a consequential output of production and innovation organized across space, but as an ongoing process of social, economic and technical co-construction that is contingent on both time and space. This is not to say that one should abandon research on innovation in economic geography, but rather that it should be approached as a question of valuation. In this approach, value creation is not the consequence of innovation, but the process and the result of socially undertaken changes that are co-existential with innovation around two interdependent issues: innovation as relational and transactional valuation in markets and as institutional and political valuation in society. This research should also be future-oriented and should reposition materiality at its center.

Embeddedness in complex networks: Theoretical central debate, policy implications, and research agenda in ethnic entrepreneurship

Objective: This article explores ethnic entrepreneurship as an emerging organizational phenomenon, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview through a systematic literature review. Method: Triangulation employed bibliometric analysis, network analysis, citation and co-citation analysis, co-citation network, and a meta-analysis of bibliometrics over the period. It also includes content analysis demonstrating study characteristics, key findings, and suggestions for future research. Key Findings: The crucial role of ethnic networks in identity valorization and overcoming obstacles, exerting a moderating influence on entrepreneurial decisions, was identified. Furthermore, a broader theoretical framework for understanding the ethnic entrepreneurship phenomenon is synthesized. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: A combined method of analyses is employed, offering an approach that can be adopted by similar research. The theoretical framework in which ethnic entrepreneurship studies are anchored is presented, emphasizing social immersion, co-ethnic network building, and Economic Sociology. Relevance/Originality: In a growing global migration movement, individuals have become entrepreneurs in the pursuit of ethnic valorization, equality, and survival. They face various barriers in host countries, influencing the decision to undertake entrepreneurship and their business. This study fills a gap by elucidating how research explains the interplay of these emerging phenomena. Social/Management Contributions: The article identifies future directions for ethnic entrepreneurship research, addressing crucial issues such as gender, network construction, financing, international refugee policies, public policies, ethnicity, ethnic markets, marginalization, and prejudice. Its conclusions offer valuable insights for managers, researchers, and policymakers.

THE NEW ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

This article investigates the intersection between economic theory and sociology through a qualitative methodology, aiming to deepen the interdisciplinary debate between economics and the New Economic Sociology (NES). The analysis focuses on the contributions of Granovetter, Fligstein, and DiMaggio, highlighting how NES concepts can enrich the understanding of territorial development, especially regarding the role of social relations in territories. Sociologists, in turn, demonstrate diligence and creativity in addressing cultural and political issues concerning collective representations and social coercion, fundamental concepts that define institutions. Based on a robust set of authors and bibliographic references, the article seeks to complement the debate on NES. The research reveals that NES offers valuable insights for analyzing territorial dynamics and reinforces the importance of a territorial approach in formulating development strategies. In the end, the article demonstrates that the themes discussed by NES confirm the need for a more integrated territorial perspective in constructing sustainable development projects.

Innovation in economic evolution: Reintroducing Schumpeterian thought to current advances in economic sociology

Innovation in economic evolution: Reintroducing Schumpeterian thought to current advances in economic sociology

The semiosis and the market: Peirce’s semiotics for economic sociology

The semiosis and the market: Peirce’s semiotics for economic sociology

Defining women’s incomes: household disruptions and gendered resolutions

Abstract Women increasingly work for pay, disrupting cultural expectations and relational dynamics tied to men’s breadwinning. Scholars have examined how women’s incomes impact measures of domestic gender inequality, yet there is limited research on the mechanisms underlying that relationship, including how households define and spend women’s wages. Adopting economic sociology’s relational work approach, this study shows how tandem processes, relational accounting of feminine consumption and relational obfuscation of women’s earnings, shape the meaning of women’s work—processes that extend beyond marital dyads to involve siblings, children, and parents. Drawing from interviews with sixty-four Emirati women and men, I show how households leverage contradictory feminine consumption norms to designate women’s wages as communal resources, while at the same time, they conceal women’s financial contributions and disproportionately recognize men’s breadwinning. I call these relational adaptations to the breakdown of patriarchal bargains predicated on men’s provision gendered resolutions, because they illustrate processes through which women’s wages may paradoxically uphold unequal gendered arrangements. This study offers a framework to understand shifting gender relations during periods of economic change.

Principles of an economic sociology of innovation

AbstractAlthough innovation is a core element of capitalist dynamics, it turns out that, to date, there is no coherent Economic Sociology of innovation, leaving the discipline oblivious to explaining fundamental economic dynamics. Nor has the enormous importance of novelty and innovation in current societal transitions evoked a corresponding research program in Economic Sociology, meaning that Economic Sociology struggles to grasp contemporary societal change. The article reviews the rather disparate diversity of approaches that could speak to a remedy, stepwise assembling and integrating them to establish the principles of an Economic Sociology approach to innovation. First, resonating with ‘embeddedness’ as the core paradigm of Economic Sociology, it spells out the embeddedness of innovation processes in social institutions. Next, it reviews innovation in relation to the diversity of normative, cultural‐cognitive, regulative, and relational institutions, carving out the relevance of the combination of institutions in ‘fields.’ It then determines ‘valuation’ as the overarching mechanism of how institutional frameworks interact with innovation processes. Eventually, discussing ‘institutional work’ as a major property of institutional frameworks, it raises awareness for the mechanisms of the ‘co‐evolution’ of institutions and innovations.

Economic Dynamics of Urban Fishermen in Muarareja: The Death of Fish Auction Places

This study examines the closure of the Fish Auction Place (TPI) in Muarareja, which was caused by debt agreements between fishermen and fish traders for boat purchases. The closure of the TPI has led to fishermen losing access to a competitive sales platform and becoming dependent on the traders' markets. The research method used was qualitative with a case study approach, through semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentation. The research participants included 6 skippers or fishermen who own ships, 5 crew members (ABK), 6 collectors or traders, and 3 mothers who make salted fish around the TPI. Data collection was carried out from June 1 to August 28, 2023. The purpose of the study was to analyze changes in the dynamics of patron-client relationships among fishermen in Muarareja and to examine the economic and social impacts of the closure of the TPI. The results showed that the closure of the TPI changed the mechanism of buying and selling fish to be more closed to patrons (traders), which significantly affected the social and economic dynamics of urban fishermen. Based on these findings, it is recommended to examine the effectiveness of alternative programs such as fishermen's cooperatives or micro-loans, and further research is needed on the revitalization of the TPI to improve the overall welfare of fishermen. In the context of public policy, it is also necessary to consider strategies that strengthen the capacity of fishermen in facing increasingly complex global economic challenges. This research is expected to provide significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field of sociology, especially economic sociology.

Exploring consumption profiles, consumer experience and quality claims of Canary Islands' cider (Spain): A multidimensional analysis

AbstractThe exponential expansion of the global cider market positions it as a viable alternative to traditional choices such as wine and beer. Nevertheless, there exists a paucity of research examining the various factors influencing consumer interest in cider. This article undertakes an analysis of the cider consumption experience, with a specific focus on consumer preferences related to distinct quality attributes, encompassing factors like brand, organic certification, and protected designations of origin (PDO). This analysis also takes into consideration the socio‐demographic profile, frequency of consumption, and willingness to pay (WTP). Our study concentrates on the Canary Islands in Spain, an area where no formal certification system yet exists to differentiate locally produced cider in the market. Our data collection methodology encompassed face‐to‐face surveys administered to a probabilistic sample of 1000 respondents in the Canary Islands. The results demonstrate that consumers who place emphasis on quality attributes such as commercial brands, organic certification, and PDOs, tend to assign value to various cognitive aspects of the product. Conversely, those who do not prioritize these quality attributes tend to emphasize the affective dimension of the product and the specific consumption occasions. Additionally, consumers who accord the highest importance to PDOs exhibit a WTP a premium price. The findings of this study hold valuable implications for policymakers and cider manufacturers, aiding them in identifying opportunities for the promotion of Canary Islands cider, both within the local market and on a global scale. [EconLit Citations: A14 Sociology of Economics, Q00 Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics, Environmental and Ecological Economics: General].

Strategi Pengembangan UMKM dalam Meningkatkan Ekonomi Masyarakat Melalui Pokdarwis di Desa Kemiri, Kecamatan Panti, Kabupaten Jember

Eduwisata village is a form of development of a village that combines elements of tourism with education and learning. The establishment of eduwisata village aims to make people aware of the importance of culture and the environment. In addition, eduwisata village is used as a means of empowering the community's economy. In eduwisata village,there are communities that play a role in increasing the value of the production sector, UMKM, and the economy as well as the economic potential of the village itself. In the process of developing the eduwisata Village program, there is cooperation with various agencies such as local governments, educational institutions, local communities, and the private sector. This study uses the theory of Smelser and Swedberg (2005) suggests that economic sociology focuses more on sociological analysis of economic processes, such as the formation of prices (agreements) between actors with economic actors, the interaction between the economy and other institutions in society, and institutional dynamics and cultural parameters that become the foundation.

ОСНОВИ НА СЪВРЕМЕННАТА ИКОНОМИКА: НОВАТА ИНСТИТУЦИОНАЛНА ИКОНОМИКА СРЕЩУ НОВАТА ИКОНОМИЧЕСКА СОЦИОЛОГИЯ – ТЕОРЕТИЧНИЯТ СБЛЪСЪК МЕЖДУ МАРК ГРАНОВЕТЪР И ОЛИВЪР УИЛЯМСЪН

Nearly 50 years ago, Mark Granovetter initiated a fundamental critique of economic theory. His critique was the starting point for the New Economic Sociology (NES). Particularly, he criticized the emerging theories of New Institutional Economics (NIE), focusing on the ideas of Oliver Williamson (1932–2020) who was one of the most prominent representatives of this school. In this paper we address this critique and Williamson’s response to it. Williamson argued from the perspective of transaction cost economics, while Granovetter focused on the social embeddedness of individuals. The impact of this debate on economics has resulted in an increased research interest in the role of institutions and social networks. However, both lines of thought did not bring economic and sociological theories together. NES established as a subdiscipline in Sociology. Its central concept of embeddedness continued to attract interest but proved to be of little empirical applicability. NIE, on the other hand, has become part of mainstream economics.

Algorithmic Management and the Social Order of Digital Markets

Platform companies use techniques of algorithmic management to control their users. Though digital marketplaces vary in their use of these techniques, few studies have asked why. This question is theoretically consequential. Economic sociology has traditionally focused on the embedded activities of market actors to explain competitive and valuation dynamics in markets. But restrictive platforms can leave little autonomy to market actors. Whether or not the analytical focus on their interactions makes sense thus depends on how restrictive the platform is, turning the question into a first order analytical concern. The paper argues that we can explain why platforms adopt more and less restrictive architectures by focusing on the design logic that informs their construction. Platforms treat markets as search algorithms that blend software computation with human interactions. If the algorithm requires actors to follow narrow scripts of behavior, the platform should become more restrictive. This depends on the need for centralized computation, the degree to which required inputs can be standardized, and the misalignment of interests between users. The paper discusses how these criteria can be mobilized to explain the architectures of four illustrative cases.

Marketness and Governance: A Typology of Illicit Online Markets

ABSTRACT The preceding decade has seen an explosive growth in illicit online commerce, and scholars are increasingly occupied with the study of illicit products, their buyers and sellers, and the platforms and markets in which they are found. Despite sharing one basic characteristic, the exchange of illicit goods and services, there is extensive variation between illicit online markets: Some markets employ currencies, others are based on barter. Some markets exhibit strong social control, others appear anarchic. Traditional theoretical explanations to the organization of illicit markets, which assume that optimization or evolution drives their organization, find it difficult to explain these variations. I propose a typology of illicit online markets that appreciates this heterogeneity and uses it as a theoretical point of departure. Drawing on social control theory and economic sociology, I argue that illicit online markets can be separated across two axes: administrative governance and ”marketness.” This conceptual framework is not prone to functionalist inference and instead implies a less deterministic understanding of how illicit online markets come to be. In turn, this framework encourages the classification and comparison of individual markets, as well as comparative analyses of marketplaces.