Too Pragmatic? A Commentary from Sociology on Lux and Sunega’s Plea for ‘Pragmatic Socio-Economics’

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this commentary from sociology, I argue that whilst Lux and Sunega’s (2022) plea for “pragmatic socio-economics” is an interesting starting point towards a more interdisciplinary study of issues related to housing market inefficiencies, it makes theoretical sense to strife towards a more ambitious integration of sociology and economics. Contrary to universally applicable emotional, cognitive or even physiological mechanisms, social norms are intricately interwoven with the institutional context in which different social groups enact them. Though “universal” social norms historically lie at the basis of variegated institutional arrangements, the latter over time develop in ways reflective of initial and evolving power relationships. Analyses of recursive relationships between institutions and social norms ideally include issues of power. I illustrate the potential of such a more integrated approach by presenting a “case” from the politics of welfare and labour market reform.