Not ‘my economy’: A political ethnographic study of interest in the economy

Abstract

Some political economists explain the apparent downplaying of the importance of economic issues in political events such as Brexit with reference to the growing anger or despair people on low incomes feel about the economy. This ‘everyday political economy’ article draws on an ethnographic study conducted between 2016 and 2018 with residents of an English city to explore what people think about the phenomenon of the economy. It reveals significant differences in how interested high- and low-income participants are in the economy and its role as a bedrock for welfare. Low-income participants are more negative about the economy, particularly contesting politicians’ claims that it is distinct from the human sphere, when they view it as controlled by the rich. However, reasoning is based on post-2008 crisis economic conditions, and any lack of interest in the economy may be more calculative and temporary than is often assumed.

Modern sociological approaches to innovation research (critical review)

“…Научные дискуссии выстраиваются не только вокруг перспектив и эффектов инноваций, но также затрагивают полярные точки зрения, выражаемые различными членами общества. Акторами применения инноваций выступают несколько групп лиц: граждане и участники процесса внедрения новшеств, СМИ, репрезентации инноваций в рекламе [15]. Следовательно, при исследованиях инноваций важно учитывать многоплановость и многовекторность их развития, а также принимать во внимание специфику отношения к ним в обществе у различных групп.…”