Durkheim and the Birth of Economic Sociology

Description

Emile Durkheim's work has traditionally been viewed as a part of sociology removed from economics. Rectifying this perception, this book looks at the contributions made to economic sociology by Durkheim and his followers. It demonstrates the relevance of economic factors to sociology and shows how the Durkheimians inform today's economic systems.

Philippe Steiner is professor of sociology at the Universite Paris, Sorbonne.

"In this intriguing, informative book, Steiner traces the development of Durkheim's economic sociology. He reveals multiple aspects of Durkheim's theoretical program and successfully demonstrates that Durkheim did not avoid economic analysts but rather shunned reductive analysis by constructing a holistic approach to economics, religion, and knowledge."--Choice "Durkheim argued that modern industrial society led to the dissolution of the social bonds that render life meaningful... Steiner develops this theme quite nicely, although with a degree of detail that will be of interest only to the historian and perhaps the philosopher."--Herbert Gintis, Economic Record