Showing papers in "Journal of Economic Literature in 1972"

Property Rights and Economic Theory: A Survey of Recent Literature

Abstract: AS CRITICISM of the traditional theory of production and exchange has mounted in the postwar period, increasing attention has been given to new analytical approaches that seek either to supplant classical marginalism or to extend its scope. In the latter category is the important body of literature that has grown up around the notion of property rights structures. The contributions here are quite diverse in style and content but are characterized by a common emphasis on certain basic ideas concerning the interconnectedness of ownership rights, incentives, and economic behavior. The purpose of the present paper is to summarize the essential features of this line of research, examine some of its important areas of application, and discuss the promise the approach holds for improved understanding of economic problems.

The Publishing of Economic Papers and Its Impact on Graduate Faculty Ratings, 1960-1969.

Abstract: I am grateful to Professors Ralph Andreano, Arthur S. Goldberger, and W. Lee Hansen of the University of Wisconsin for their encouragement and comments on an earlier draft of this paper. Many valuable suggestions were contributed by two anonymous referees and the participants in the Workshop in Applied Welfare Economics at the University of Wisconsin, Fall 1970, especially Morley Gunderson. Charles Leitzke assisted in the arduous task of data collection. The usual caveat is applicable.

Development policy: new thinking about an interpretation

Abstract: IT IS CURious how in scientific disciplines very similar results of investigations into problems appear to emerge at the same time It is as if the essential reality of a situation comes into increasing conflict with accepted ideas until, at a certain point, reality cannot be gainsaid From various quarters attacks begin to mount and we begin to wonder why we were so simple-minded as to accept uncritically earlier concepts Even so, we do not lightly reject these other views because, after all, a good deal of intellectual energy has gone into their formulation and propagation We wait to be convinced; each new, available piece of research is scanned to see whether it supports the tenets of the old doctrine, or whether it adds to the growing swell of disillusionment Finally, if we are honest, we are forced to admit that reality has not been explained by our older notions-there are too many discrepancies between facts and theory-and we embrace the new approach These reflections are engendered upon reading three books published at the end of 1970 or the beginning of 19711 All deal with the results of many years of development efforts by developing countries and all are critical of present policies Broadly speaking, we may say that the LittleScitovsky-Scott book concentrates its criticisms on policies of import-substittiton whilst the ILO and Turnham books focus upon the failure of policies to obviate growing unemployment Let us look at the Little-Scitovsky-Scott book first This is an interesting example of what can be achieved by teamwork in economic research The book was based on researches undertaken in various countries (Brazil, India, Pakistan, Mexico, Philippines, and Taiwan) by those who had extensive knowledge of the countries concerned Their individual contributions were analyzed by the three authors (who also incorporated material on Argentina) The result is a well-documented multiple casestudy of development, with theoretical iinplications far beyond the particular countries covered2 Little-Scitovsky-Scott3 concern themselves first with a consideration of the factors which have led to the growth of import-substitution One factor was the de-

Was Keynes a "Keynesian"? A Review Article

Abstract: AXEL LEIJONHUFVUD has recently provided us with an insightful and refreshing reappraisal of the so-called Keynesian revolution in his On Keynesian Economics and the Economics of Keynes [8, 1968]. In light of the significance and importance of this book, it is disappointing that, although the reviewers have been very complimentary, the published discussion seems to have offered little in the way of critical evaluation of Leijonhufvud's arguments. This paper attempts to remedy this situation. Leijonhufvud argues convincingly that popular Keynesianism, as well as its offspring, the so-called neoclassical synthesis, does not have an adequate choice-theoretic, i.e., microeconomic, basis. This view seems to be finding wide and warranted acceptance. In addition, Leijonhufvud argues that, although this defect pervades popular Keynesianism, it does not characterize Keynes' own writings. Leijonhufvud suggests that Keynes himself would have been unsympathetic with the development of popular "Keynesian" macroeconomic theory. This paper argues, to the contrary, that this latter contention is not consistent with a complete and careful reading of the General theory. My analysis will suggest that Keynes' thinking was both substantially in accord with that of his popularizers and similarly deficient. Leijonhufvud's argument emphasizes the interpretation of the Keynesian consumption function developed by R. W. Clower in his "The Keynesian Counter-Revolution: A Theoretical Appraisal" [3, 1965]. I certainly accept Leiionhufvud's contention that Clower's conception, which is discussed more fully below, provides the choice-theoretic basis for macroeconomic theory, which popular Keynesianism lacks.' However, Leijonhufvud also suggests that Clower's conception may be attributed to Keynes himself.2 This latter is the hypothesis at issue. Leijonhufvud can point to no specific content in Keynes' writing which explicitly supports this attribution. His argument (pp. 91-102) seems to amount to the following: Keynes' discussion is dreadfully confusing, but Clower's interpretation offers the only conceivable way to make sense of it.3 Therefore, Keynes must have had Clower's idea in mind. My analysis will focus upon Keynes' treatment of the demand for labor services, a part

Two Books on the Theory of Income Distribution: A Review Article

Abstract: 2 Of the many frustrations of any editor, surely, avoidable delay is the greatest. And this frustration is almost infinitely compounded when in the interim an unexpected death occurs. Professor Ferguson sent this manuscript as a draft; certain questions which he raised in the accompanying letter would normally have been resolved in the exchange of two or three letters or 'phone calls. I placed one call to learn he was ill; rather than press the query, I delayed. When next I 'phoned, I was shocked to learn of his completely unexpected and therefore all the more untimely death. Because the draft he sent contains so much of his own style and vigor, I have elected to print it in this incomplete form. The points he raised in his letter remain unclarified. In the face of this series of events, I have asked Professor Nell to undertake the task initially given to Ferguson. The two rarely saw things in the same way. Thus, the choice of Nell was not intended to finish Ferguson's incomplete assessment. I mention the foregoing simply to explain the unique treatment in these review essays. Of Charles Ferguson's death so little can be said-he was an ebullient souil, and a man of significant originality. -M. P.