Social studies of finance is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that examines the social, cultural, and institutional dimensions of financial markets, institutions, and practices. It seeks to understand how social factors such as norms, values, beliefs, power dynamics, and collective behavior shape financial decision-making, behavior, and outcomes.

Key aspects of social studies of finance include:

1. Sociological Perspectives: Social studies of finance draws on sociological theories and methodologies to analyze financial markets and institutions as social phenomena embedded within broader social contexts. It explores how social structures, networks, and interactions influence financial activities, including trading, investing, and risk management.
2. Cultural Dimensions: Social studies of finance examines the cultural meanings and representations associated with finance, including narratives, symbols, and discourses that shape financial beliefs, practices, and identities. It investigates how cultural factors influence investor behavior, market dynamics, and financial innovation, as well as the construction of financial expertise and authority.
3. Institutional Analysis: Social studies of finance investigates the role of institutions, regulations, and governance mechanisms in shaping financial markets and practices. It examines how institutional arrangements, such as exchanges, regulatory agencies, and financial intermediaries, structure incentives, constraints, and power relations within financial systems.
4. Ethical and Moral Considerations: Social studies of finance addresses ethical and moral dimensions of financial decision-making and behavior. It explores questions of fairness, responsibility, and accountability in finance, as well as ethical dilemmas and controversies arising from financial activities, such as market manipulation, insider trading, and predatory lending.
5. Power and Inequality: Social studies of finance analyzes power dynamics and inequalities within financial systems, including disparities in access to financial resources, opportunities, and information. It examines how power is exercised and contested by different actors within financial markets, as well as the implications for financial stability, social cohesion, and economic inequality.
6. Financialization and Globalization: Social studies of finance examines the processes of financialization and globalization and their impacts on societies, economies, and cultures. It investigates how financial markets and practices have become increasingly dominant and interconnected on a global scale, shaping patterns of investment, consumption, and economic development.

Overall, social studies of finance provides a critical perspective on financial markets and institutions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence financial behavior and outcomes. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue among scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities associated with finance in contemporary societies.