SCY3420

The sociology of economic life: money, morals and markets

Ray Jureidini

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton

Objectives At the completion of the subject, students should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of `classical' and contemporary sociological theories of economy and society; an understanding of the relationship between rational and non-rational values attached to the use of money in both contemporary and traditional societies; an ability to apply one or more theoretical perspectives to the analysis of a contemporary socio-economic issues.

Synopsis This subject explores the social bases of money and exchange in modern and to some extent traditional society. The focus will be upon the attachment of moral values to the ritual of exchange and the cash nexus. Topics will cover sociological interpretations of ethical issues concerned with the monetary valuation of various aspects of individual and social life. Substantive issues include the following: money and the body (eg blood donation, organ transplantation, surrogacy, death and the funeral, blood money); money and risk (eg saving, gambling, life insurance); money and gender (eg marriage, dowry, prostitution); money and welfare (eg pensions, retirement, social security, poverty); money and exchange (eg barter, coinage, gifts). As an introduction to economic sociology, three theoretical and ideological paradigms will be canvassed: economic liberalism, political economy and economic sociology.

Assessment Literature review (2000 words): 35%
* Seminar paper (1000 words): 15%
* Research report (3000 words): 50%

Prescribed texts

Reading list available on enrolment