Robert Holton argues that the relationship between economy and society is one of mutual dependence, in which political and cultural arrangements influence the functioning of economic life, just as much as economic contingencies influence the shape of politics and culture. This argument is pursued by means of a critical historical survey of major social scientific traditions, including economic liberalism and political economy. The author moves on to discuss the differentation and re-integration of economy and society,the viability of the market as an economic institution, the centrality of power in economic life, the significance of economic values and economic culture and the globalisation of economy and society.