Aims

The course aims at contributing to the following learning results:

The student...

• Analyses the environment in which an organisation is active and estimates the influence of environmental factors on the functioning of the organization (1.a)
• Has a functional multidisciplinary knowledge to identify social phenomena and to reflect on them, also from a philosophical-ethical perspective, and link them with the corporate and market reality in a reasoned way (4.a)
• Explains current (business) economic facts and events according to their historical development (4.b)
• Analyses the functioning of organisations and markets in relation to society and its actors (4.c)
• Takes into consideration alternative explanations and methods when analysing and solving a (business) economic problem with practical relevance (8.b)
• Shows interest in current affairs and broadens his background knowledge (8.g)
• Estimates the impact of business operations on various stakeholders and society (12.a)
• Connects the psycho-social and ethical insights with the (business) economic reality in a reasoned way (12.b)
• Reflects on business and economic thinking and behaviour from a social and ethical point of view (12.c)

More information

Economics provide a distinctive perspective on socio-economic phenomena. However, the economic approach is not the only one to describe, conceptualize and theorize social facts and events. Also other disciplines offer valuable insights. The quality of the student’s training is among others determined by his or her knowledge of alternative perspectives and the ability to use them to explain socio-economic events. The 'sociological perspective' is one of them. The starting point of the lectures is the idea that sociology in general and economic sociology in particular contribute to a better understanding of socio-economic phenomena and problems.

In addition, the course also aims at increasing the student’s knowledge of society as a whole. Sociological approaches build on the idea that other, non-economic aspects of society (culture, politics, …) are relevant to the economy and that, conversely, the economy influences many other social phenomena. In addition, sociologists generally assume that economic phenomena such as consumption, work and market operations are (also) shaped and by cultural and structural characteristics of individuals, groups and society.

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

At the base level:

• Define basic concepts in Sociology (4a, 4c)
• Identify and the sociological approach and be able to compare it with the economic approach (4a, 4b, 8a, 8b)
• Explain why economy is determined by a multitude of social phenomena (1a, 4a,12c, 12b)
• Explain why the economy is an important causal factor of a multitude of social phenomena (1a, 4a, 4c, 12a, 12b)

At an advanced level:

Major aspects of theories, approaches, fact and events

• are concisely but accessibly summarized
• are compared and weighed against one another

At the level of excellence:

• the subject matter is connected to contemporary facts, events, or analyses
• theories and concepts are applied in an analysis of (current affairs) social or socio-economic problems

Previous knowledge

The admission criteria for the programme can be found in the programme catalogue.

If you want to follow this course, it is advisable to acquire basic knowledge of microeconomics beforehand.

Identical courses

This course is identical to the following courses:
HBH18A : Economische sociologie
HLH07A : Economische sociologie (No longer offered this academic year)
Y00935 : Economische sociologie

Is included in these courses of study

• Bachelor of Business Administration (Brussels) 180 ects.
• Bachelor of Business Administration: Double Degree Kedge (outgoing) (Brussels et al) 240 ects.
• Bachelor of Business Administration: Double Degree Kedge (incoming) (Brussels et al) 242 ects.
• Bachelor of Business Engineering (Brussels et al) 180 ects.
• Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Economics and Business (Brussels)
• Bachelor of Business Administration: Double Degree Galway (outgoing) (Brussels et al) 240 ects.