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Metaeconomics is a branch of economics that focuses on the underlying structures and processes that shape economic behavior and institutions. It seeks to understand how different economic systems and institutions interact and influence one another, and how they shape economic outcomes.

Developed in the 1970s by American economist Albert Breton, metaeconomics is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from economics, political science, sociology, and philosophy. It views economic systems as complex systems that are influenced by a multitude of factors, including social, cultural, and institutional forces.

One of the key concepts in metaeconomics is the idea that economic outcomes are not solely determined by economic variables, such as supply and demand, but also by non-economic factors, such as social norms, political institutions, and cultural values. This perspective recognizes that economic systems are embedded in broader social and cultural contexts, and that these contexts shape economic behavior and outcomes.

Metaeconomists often employ a systems approach to analyze economic systems, considering the interactions and interdependencies between different components, such as institutions, markets, and social structures. By examining these interactions, metaeconomists can gain insights into how economic systems change over time and how different policies and interventions might influence economic outcomes.

Metaeconomics has been applied to a range of topics, including the study of economic development, international trade and finance, and the economics of institutional change. By shedding light on the complex interactions that underlie economic systems, metaeconomics offers a unique perspective on the workings of the economy and the ways in which economic systems can be shaped and transformed.