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Franz Oppenheimer's (1864–1943) Social Economic Approach to Health

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  • Ursula Backhaus

Abstract

The idea of scholarly synthesis was central to the founders of the American Journal of Economics and Sociology. Franz Oppenheimer (1864–1943) in fact impersonated the idea of scholarly synthesis. Being the son of a Reformist rabbi—these religious roots provided the impulse for his work—he started out as a physician in the industrial suburbs of Berlin; his diagnosis was that he faced social and not medical disease, which consequently brought him to the study of economics. But unlike many mainstream economists today, he insisted on the necessary cooperation between economists and sociologists, ideally in one person. His chair in Frankfurt, showing his own handwriting, was denominated for economic theory and sociology. In this article, I show his contributions with respect to economic aspects of health. These are not well known. Part of the reason is that the field of health economics as it is taught now is very narrow. Therefore, Oppenheimer's health economic contributions tend to be overlooked.

Suggested Citation

  • Ursula Backhaus, 2010. "Franz Oppenheimer's (1864–1943) Social Economic Approach to Health," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 69(3), pages 907-935, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajecsc:v:69:y:2010:i:3:p:907-935
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1536-7150.2010.00730.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mathew Forstater, 2002. "Adolph Lowe's Plea for Cooperation and Constructive Synthesis in the Social Sciences," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(4), pages 779-786, October.
    2. Anthony J. Culyer, 2005. "The Dictionary of Health Economics," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2934.
    3. Peter R. Senn, 2006. "Economists and the social question: A study of the periodical literature in English," Journal of Economic Studies, Emerald Group Publishing, vol. 33(4), pages 240-268, September.
    4. Ursula Backhaus, 2002. "Seventh Chapter Of The Theory Of Economic Development," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(1-2), pages 93-145.
    5. A. J. Culyer & J. P. Newhouse (ed.), 2000. "Handbook of Health Economics," Handbook of Health Economics, Elsevier, edition 1, volume 1, number 1.
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