ABSTRACT
In this chapter we commence a discussion of economic sociology, conceived here as the third major tradition dealing with theories of Economy and Society. The intention is to elaborate a theory of culture as it effects economic life, looking at culture in relation to social order, social change and symbolic exchange. As in earlier sections of the book, this expository chapter will be followed by a second interpretive chapter examining strengths and problems associated with the tradition under scrutiny. It should be emphasised that economic sociology is not being portrayed as an exclusively cultural theory, but rather as a culture-inclusive synthesis of many elements, including certain acceptable features of economic liberalism and political economy.
