A challenge for our field, therefore, is to cross the philosophical divide and create the new theoretical syntheses. We could also take a lesson in rhetoric from economics, especially if we want to influence policy. And I think we do. Absolutism in any form confers a powerful rhetorical advantage. It provides confidence in one's mission, yields a strong, simple message, and it finds a receptive audience in a culture with strong absolutist tendencies.
Recent events strengthen the rhetorical advantage of economics.
Today, however, perhaps a majority of societies declare themselves capitalist and pro-market. We shouldn't enter the policy conversation by aping the absolutist rhetoric of economics. But we can learn how to do a better job communicating our relevance to policy. Perhaps these are questions we can take up with our new ASA Section on Economic Sociology.