Skip to Content

Economy and Society - SOC182

Markets profoundly influence our lives. Most of us gain our living from a labour market, our shelter from a housing market and many pleasures from consumer markets. Even markets we have never heard of, like the sub-prime mortgage market, can end up changing the way we live. This unit examines the market economy from a social perspective. It introduces students to concepts that are useful to understand economic activity, but without any requirement for past study in economics or mathematics. It also connects the economy to social and political life. It examines how social norms shape work and consumption, and how political decisions and institutions shape issues like inequality. We explore a range of contemporary issues from consumerism and ecological sustainability to the growing gap between rich and poor and financial instability.

Credit Points: 3
When Offered:

S1 Day - Session 1, North Ryde, Day

S1 External - Session 1, External (On-campus dates: None)

Staff Contact(s): Dr Ben Spies-Butcher
Prerequisites:

 

Corequisites:

NCCW(s):
Unit Designation(s):
Unit Type: People unit
Assessed As: Graded
Offered By:

Department of Sociology

Faculty of Arts

Course structures, including unit offerings, are subject to change.
Need help? Ask us.