In The Social Life of Financial Derivatives Edward LiPuma theorizes the profound social dimensions of derivatives markets and the processes, rituals, and belief systems that drive them. In response to the 2008 financial crisis and drawing on his experience trading derivatives, LiPuma outlines how they function as complex devices that organize speculative capital as well as the ways derivative-driven capitalism not only produces the conditions for its own existence, but also penetrates the fabric of everyday life. Framing finance as a form of social life and highlighting the intrinsically social character of financial derivatives, LiPuma deepens our understanding of derivatives so that we may someday use them to serve the public well-being.

"[A] concise and unique point of view of the role of derivatives and their potential negative impact on our society.... LiPuma provides a necessary and important look at the obscure but consequential role of financial derivatives in the global economy.Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals." - Choice

"Extremely interesting in terms of opening new windows to the financial landscape." - Anthropology Book Forum