Economy and State: Economy and Society

'Economy and State offers a wonderful introduction to the burgeoning fields of economic and political sociology, and in particular to work at the dynamic intersection of those fields. Bandelj and Sowers's sweeping overview shows how governments structure all aspects of the economy, large and small. Everyone interested in understanding economic behavior should read this book.'
Frank Dobbin, Harvard University

'In a world where too many people really believe there is an invisible hand coordinating economic activity, this book will come as an accessible and concise discussion of the many ways in which states are involved in the distribution and exchange of economic goods. Bandelj and Sowers have written a welcome review of the relationships that different state forms have with economic orders.'
Nicole Biggart, University of California

Should governments be involved in economic affairs? Challenging prevailing wisdom about the benefits of self-regulating markets, Nina Bandelj and Elizabeth Sowers offer a uniquely sociological perspective to emphasize that states can never be divorced from economy. From defining property rights and regulating commodification of labor to setting corporate governance standards and international exchange rules, the state continually manages the functioning of markets and influences economic outcomes for individuals, firms, and nations.

The authors bring together classical interventions and cutting-edge contemporary research in economic sociology to discuss six broad areas of economy-state connection: property, money, labor, firms, national economic growth, and global economic exchange. A wealth of empirical examples and illustrations reveals that, even if the nature of state influence on economy varies across contexts, it is always dependent on social forces.

This accessible and engaging book will be essential reading for upper-level students of economic sociology and those interested in the major economic dilemmas of our times.