Central Bankers as a Sociological Object: Stakes, Problems and Possible Solutions

Abstract

This paper builds on a sociological investigation of the group of central bankers, its internal differentiation and specificity. It discusses the construction of central bankers as a research object and possible methodological approaches. It frames our study on the social space of central bankers presenting questions and hypothesis regarding the complex profiles of these economic actors as well as some empirical sources. It then provides a descriptive analysis of the biographic data that constitute the empirical basis of the study on world’s central bank governor’s (2000 – 2017) trajectories. It highlights the common or varying characteristics and general tendencies regarding their socio-demographic, educational and professional background. Furthermore, using a specific Multiple Correspondence Analysis it tries to visualize their positions in this particular social space based on not only their dispositions and capitals (educational, professional, political, scientific, symbolic, etc.), but also their monetary orientations and position-takings. It finally evokes some contributions of a lexicometric analysis of their discourses. It concludes on other possible research paths in studying this multidimensional object and the sociological stake that how decision-makers ally with economic and financial dominant groups while maintaining a reference to scientific objectivity and universal goals such as people’s well-being.