The Department of History, Economics and Society (DEHES) looks at economics from the standpoint of history and political economy. The department’s programmes and research activities focus on economics, but are also informed by the social sciences. Viewing economic issues within their social context highlights the importance of institutions and power relations. This illustrates the complexity of capitalism, and the challenges raised by economic crises.

The department is part of a long-standing tradition of economic history within the University of Geneva. The faculty offers programmes in political economy and economic and social history at Bachelor, Master and PhD level. It also regularly hosts seminars and other research activities in collaboration with the Paul Bairoch Institute of Economic History (IHEPB).