Social Productivity, Law, and the Regulation of Conflicts of Interest in the Investment Industry

The article introduces the concept of "social productivity," a sociological framework analyzing how organized groups influence society through their actions and policies. It distinguishes social productivity from economic productivity by focusing on social outputs like reputation, symbols, trust, and behavioral standards, which can enhance or diminish societal well-being. The article argues that law plays a critical role in mitigating harm and restoring trust by regulating behavior and reflecting societal values. It advocates for considering social productivity in policy and legal frameworks to foster a stable society, emphasizing the non-economic impacts of group actions on the social fabric.