This chapter reviews recent research adopting methods from statistical physics in theoretical or empirical work in economics and finance. The bulk of what has recently become known as 'econophysics' in broader circles draws its motivation from observed scaling laws in financial markets and the...

PART I. SOCIAL CONCERNS IN ECONOMICS -- 1. Environment and sustainability / Jouni Paavola and Inge Røpke -- 2. Institutions, culture and values / Anne Mayhew -- 3. Insecurity / John Vail -- 4. Contesting the 'globalization thesis': an ethical imperative / George DeMartino -- 5. Teaching and...