Hardback
The Political Economy of Gunnar Myrdal
An Institutional Basis for the Transformation Problem
9781858985305 Edward Elgar Publishing
This book provides an evaluation of the intellectual development of Gunnar Myrdal, emphasizing his methodology, his beliefs about economics and the role of economists in modern society. Special attention is given to Gunnar Myrdal’s development as an institutional economist and how this perspective influenced his contribution to economic development and attempts to close the gap between rich and poor countries.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This book provides an evaluation of the intellectual development of Gunnar Myrdal, emphasizing his methodology, his beliefs about economics and the role of economists in modern society. It explains how Gunnar Myrdal became an institutional economist and how this perspective influenced his contribution to economic development and attempts to close the gap between rich and poor countries.
The main argument of the book is that economists, despite being trained in the orthodox neoclassical tradition, can develop an alternative conception that is more relevant and appropriate for analysis and policy making in developing and transition economies. Much of the discussion focuses on the evolution of Gunnar Myrdal’s intellectual development and his contributions to transformation issues in an historical context. Specific issues discussed include political and social problems and transformation policy for Central and Eastern Europe.
The Political Economy of Gunnar Myrdal will be welcomed by academics and students researching in the fields of the history of economic thought, comparative economics and economic development.
The main argument of the book is that economists, despite being trained in the orthodox neoclassical tradition, can develop an alternative conception that is more relevant and appropriate for analysis and policy making in developing and transition economies. Much of the discussion focuses on the evolution of Gunnar Myrdal’s intellectual development and his contributions to transformation issues in an historical context. Specific issues discussed include political and social problems and transformation policy for Central and Eastern Europe.
The Political Economy of Gunnar Myrdal will be welcomed by academics and students researching in the fields of the history of economic thought, comparative economics and economic development.
Critical Acclaim
‘The book certainly does provide the reader with a very useful investigation of Myrdal’s intellectual metamorphosis from his early training as a neoclassical economist to that of a broadly-defined institutionalist economist . . . Angresano’s book is a welcome addition to the growing body of literature assessing Myrdal’s contributions to economics. While a review of his life and work can be found in other books and journal articles, the attempt to link with present-day issues regarding the restructuring of the CEE countries is fascinating and, indeed, quite original. The author deserves praise for having attempted this amalgamation of the historical analysis of Myrdal’s ideas with a discussion of the relevance of his approach today.’
– Mario Seccareccia, Review of Social Economy
‘This book is a very useful addition to the literature on economic thought in the 20th century. . . . very useful and interesting, and provides delightful reading.’
– Gilles Dostaler, The Economic Journal
– Mario Seccareccia, Review of Social Economy
‘This book is a very useful addition to the literature on economic thought in the 20th century. . . . very useful and interesting, and provides delightful reading.’
– Gilles Dostaler, The Economic Journal
Contents
Contents: Preface 1. Transformation policy: Searching for a Useful Perspective 2. Gunnar Myrdal I: 1915–33, The Years of ‘High Theory’ 3. Gunnar Myrdal II: 1929–38, Political and Social Economist 4. Gunnar Myrdal III: 1938–87, Emergence as an Institutional Economist 5. Myrdalian Contributions to Transformation Issues Appendix: Two Interviews with Gunnar Myrdal Index
