sosialekonomi

Sosialekonomi is an interdisciplinary field that analyzes how social factors and structures interact with economic activity. It considers how institutions, culture, inequality, education, health, and the environment influence economic outcomes such as income, productivity, and growth, and conversely how economic systems shape social life and well-being. The term is used in various contexts to describe both the study of socio-economic indicators and the organization of economies that prioritize social goals alongside profits.

Scope includes: income distribution, poverty, employment, education, healthcare, housing, urban development, migration, and global trade. It encompasses the traditional economy (markets, firms, households) and the social economy—cooperatives, mutuals, non-profits, and social enterprises—that pursue social objectives while engaging in economic activity. It also covers policy areas such as welfare states, taxation, social protection, and sustainable development.

Methods: combines quantitative approaches (statistics, econometrics, index construction) with qualitative methods (case studies, interviews, policy analysis). Comparative and longitudinal studies are common to understand how different social arrangements affect outcomes.

Significance and applications: informs public policy and corporate governance, aiming to reduce inequality, improve health and education, and promote sustainable economic development. It is used by governments, international organizations, researchers, and civil society to assess trade-offs between efficiency and equity.

History: emerged from the intersection of sociology and economics in the 20th century, influenced by welfare economics, development studies, and social policy. Today, its scope is broad, spanning local communities to global systems.