(Why) Are Economists Different?
Journal
European Journal of Political Economy
ISSN
0176-2680
ISSN-Digital
1873-5703
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2005-09-01
Author(s)
Abstract
After presenting casual evidence of the difference between economists and the rest of the population, I review the survey and experimental evidence on this topic during the last 20 years. I then ask whether these results are applicable to real world situations. To consider this, examples of referenda results in Switzerland are presented where the citizens decided against recommendations of most economists. What is particular in economic theory that causes these differences in convictions? Explanations can point to aspects of positive economic theory and to normative convictions of economists. I conclude with consequences that economists might draw.
Language
English
Keywords
Cooperative behaviour
Indoctrination
Self-selection
Referenda results
Economic model of behaviour
Commitment
Fairness of the market
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher place
Amsterdam
Volume
21
Number
3
Start page
543
End page
562
Pages
20
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
31433
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
CESifowp1396.pdf
Size
324.52 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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