'Think twice': using economics and sociology to understand monetary issues–The case of Switzerland. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vallet, Guillaume
• Is Part Of: International review of sociology. Volume 27:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 178
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Sociology -- economics -- Switzerland -- Swiss franc -- money; Sociology -- Periodicals; 301.05
• DOI: 10.1080/03906701.2016.1223044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0390-6701

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper seeks to demonstrate to what extent an academic approach that borrows from economics and sociology is heuristic in terms of fully understanding monetary issues. Contrary to authors that consider money to be neutral, this article emphasizes that money is a 'total social fact'. Hence, it focuses on three meanings of money through the theoretical framework of Schumpeter and various French institutionalists. It also focuses on the Swiss case, which is particularly relevant because money plays a significant role in order for such a country to foster prosperity and create social links. Finally, there is clearly a high usefulness of a pluralistic approach on the monetary issue for heterodox economists.