SOAN 315 - Society and the Economy

The course examines the role of culture, power, networks, and institutions in shaping economic life and markets. Some important areas of study include the ways in which social values become intertwined with economics processes and outcomes, how consumption has transformed social relationships and identity, and how race or gender shape economic behavior. We analyze the role of corporations in our society, how consumer capitalism affects our lives, how the economy shapes key healthcare, the environment, and more. We also analyze the role of social movements in regulating and governing markets to promote more socially responsible and environmentally sustainable practices (e.g. through corporate social responsibility, political consumerism, socially responsible investing, and social certifications). Prerequisite: SOAN 110 or SOAN 111 or SOAN 117 or SJ 110 or ECON 110.