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Economics: An Emerging Small World

Author

Listed:
  • Sanjeev Goyal
  • Marco J. van der Leij
  • José Luis Moraga-Gonzalez

Abstract

We study the evolution of social distance among economists over the period 1970–2000. While the number of economists has more than doubled, the distance between them, which was already small, has declined significantly. The key to understanding the short average distances is the observation that economics is spanned by a collection of interlinked stars. A star is an economist who writes with many other economists, most of whom have few coauthors and generally do not write with each other.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanjeev Goyal & Marco J. van der Leij & José Luis Moraga-Gonzalez, 2006. "Economics: An Emerging Small World," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 114(2), pages 403-432, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpolec:v:114:y:2006:i:2:p:403-432
    DOI: 10.1086/500990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C7 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory
    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists

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