Author: Adam Smith
Synopsis
Smith examines how specialization, exchange, markets, and the division of labor can increase productivity and national wealth. He also discusses institutions, taxation, education, labor, and the social consequences of increasingly specialized economic activity.
Why It Matters to Sociology
Although best known as an economics classic, the book is highly relevant to sociology because it connects economic organization with social structure. Smith's analysis of the division of labor helped inspire later work on industrialization, class, organizations, and modern society.