Poverty in the History of Economic Thought: From Mercantilism to Neoclassical Economics

Poverty in the History of Economic Thought: From Mercantilism to Neoclassical Economics explores how economic thought deals with poverty and the poor, tracing key writers and schools of thought across a significant period. It shows that the approach to poverty differs from economist to economist, depending on their interests and the intellectual climate of each epoch.

Format: Hardback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Poverty has been a persistent and complex issue throughout the history of economic thought, spanning from the mercantilist era to the neoclassical period. This edited volume aims to provide a comprehensive and critical examination of how economic thinkers have approached and addressed poverty and the marginalized.

The book traces the economic ideas of key writers and schools of thought across a significant period, ranging from the classical economists such as Adam Smith and Malthus to the modern economists such as Wicksell, Cassel, and Heckscher. The chapters explore the relationship between poverty and income distribution, highlighting that poverty is not always perceived in absolute terms but also takes into account relative and social deprivation. The contributors also address individual poverty and national poverty in the context of the international economy.

One of the key insights of the book is that the approach to poverty varies significantly among economists, depending on their particular interests, the main issues related to poverty in each epoch, and the intellectual climate that prevailed at the time of their contribution. The book demonstrates that the study of poverty has been shaped by a range of factors, including political, social, and cultural influences.

For advanced students and researchers in the fields of history of economic thought, economic development, and the economics of poverty, this book offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of poverty and its historical treatment. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the economic ideas and policies that have shaped our understanding of poverty and its reduction over time.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367354237