This chapter sheds light on Albion W. Small’s views on the relationship between inequalities and the dynamics of capitalism during the Progressive Era. Focusing in particular on inequalities stemming from capital concentration as well as on inequalities related to the conditions of the workers in the workplace, Small designed innovative proposals in order to devise and implement new social policies aiming at building a fairer capitalism. At stake for him was the issue of survival of this economic system but also the survival of democracy. Small demonstrated that economic and social reforms go hand in hand, which still rings true today.

The global financial crisis that burst in 2008 seriously undermined economics from an epistemological, methodological as well as philosophical perspective. In this respect, the way we think and approach economics must be reconsidered afresh. In this chapter we will show, contrary to the normal evolution of mainstream economics, that there is an interest and even an urgency of opening economics to other disciplines. This is the case in particular with sociology, but also history, anthropology and political science. As we argue, pluralism allows for greater knowledge, which can only serve to reinforce the scientificity of economics.

Solomon Tshekisho “Sol” Plaatje (1876–1932) is a neglected, albeit paramount, thinker of South Africa. Educated in the USA and in Great Britain, this talented and erudite intellectual fiercely argued for the rights of blacks during the colonial era in South Africa. Similarly, he advocated the preservation of local languages and cultures, such as those of the Tswana. More generally, Sol Plaatje was preoccupied with ways of achieving equality between ethnic groups. For that reason, his egalitarian views deserve more attention. As a leading thinker, and also a prolific writer of his time, Sol Plaatje symbolizes the Progressive Era for South African racial politics. This chapter sheds light on the relevance of his thought, which still rings true today.