Political Economy: Social Relations & Power

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Questions and Answers

Political economy views the economy as embedded in its social and political context, opposing the idea of it being a separate entity driven solely by individual ______.

self-interest

Social relations are the general link between the economy and society, with political economists asserting that economic activity is fundamentally grounded in these ______.

social relations

The transition from feudal ties to market competition highlights how social relations evolve over time, leading to the wage relationship becoming a key social relationship shaping economic and human ______.

development

Power dynamics underpin social relationships, exemplified at the international level by institutions like the WTO and countries like the US wielding greater influence in setting trade ______.

<p>rules</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 'secret life of a banana' illustrates how power structures social relationships between groups in different locations, with supermarkets and multinational firms holding more influence than small Caribbean ______.

<p>farmers</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political economy considers markets as socially constructed entities, emphasizing their institutional foundations and the necessity for social and political ______.

<p>regulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

A crucial element in the political economy perspective is viewing the markets as socially constructed entities that require social and political ______.

<p>regulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Political economists emphasize the institutional foundations of markets, recognizing that the economy is shaped by a wide range of institutional forms and ______.

<p>practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Political Economy

Analysis of the economy considering its social and political context, not as a separate, self-regulating entity.

Social Relations

The connection between the economy and society, emphasizing that economic activities are rooted in societal interactions and structures.

Employer-Worker Relationship

The structuring of economic activity within the workplace, such as the one between employers and employees.

Changing Social Relations

The understanding that these evolve over time reflecting societal changes, transitioning from older forms to market competition.

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Power in Social Relationships

The impact some institutions or governments have a greater ability to influence trade rules than others.

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Socially Constructed Markets

Markets that need social and political guidelines.

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Institutional Foundations of Markets

Acknowledging that a wide variety of institutional forms and practices shape the economy.

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Distribution of Wealth

Emphasizes not only commodity exchange but also production and distribution of wealth among different population sections.

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Study Notes

  • Political economy studies the economy in its social and political environment, not as an isolated entity driven purely by individual self-interest.
  • It focuses on production and wealth distribution among different population segments, not just commodity exchange via the market.

Social Relations

  • Social relations serve as the connection between the economy and society.
  • Economic activity is rooted in social relations, according to political economists.
  • The key social relationships include those between employers and workers, producers and consumers, firms, worker groups, government agencies, and firms.
  • Social relations evolve over time.
  • Feudal ties have been replaced by market competition, profit-seeking, and the employer-worker wage relationship.

Power

  • Social relationships structure the economy.
  • Power underpins these relationships.
  • Institutions and governments, for example the WTO and the US, have considerable power to establish trade regulations at the international level.

Social Construction of Markets

  • Markets are socially constructed entities.
  • They need social and political regulation.
  • The economy is shaped by institutional forms and practices.
  • Cultural norms structure social relations and foster trust in legal and contractual relationships.
  • Key national institutions include firms, markets, monetary systems, business organizations, the state, state agencies, and trade unions.
  • Economic geographers study how local and regional economies are shaped by institutional arrangements.

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