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Unified Growth Theory contradicted by the absence of takeoffs in the Gross Domestic Product

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  • Ron W. NIELSEN

Abstract

Data describing historical economic growth are analysed. They demonstrate convincingly that the take offs from stagnation to growth, claimed in the Unified Growth Theory, never happened. This theory is again contradicted by the same data which were used, but never properly analysed, during its formulation. The absence of the claimed takeoffs demonstrates that the postulate of the differential takeoffs is also contradicted by data. Furthermore, this analysis demonstrates that the mathematically-analysable data contradict the concept of the prolonged Malthusian stagnation, its effects on the economic growth as well as the concept of a dramatic escape from the Malthusian trap.

Suggested Citation

  • Ron W. NIELSEN, 2025. "Unified Growth Theory contradicted by the absence of takeoffs in the Gross Domestic Product," Journal of Economics and Political Economy, EconSciences Journals, vol. 12(2), pages 67-80, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:cvv:journ1:v:12:y:2025:i:2:p:67-80
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oded Galor, 2012. "The demographic transition: causes and consequences," Cliometrica, Journal of Historical Economics and Econometric History, Association Française de Cliométrie (AFC), vol. 6(1), pages 1-28, January.
    2. Oded Galor & Omer Moav, 2002. "Natural Selection and the Origin of Economic Growth," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 117(4), pages 1133-1191.
    3. Ron W. NIELSEN, 2016. "Growth of the World Population in the Past 12,000 Years and Its Link to the Economic Growth," Journal of Economics Bibliography, EconSciences Journals, vol. 3(1), pages 1-12, March.
    4. Ron W. NIELSEN, 2016. "Growth of the World Population in the Past 12,000 Years and Its Link to the Economic Growth," Journal of Economics Bibliography, KSP Journals, vol. 3(1), pages 1-12, March.
    5. Oded Galor, 2005. "The Demographic Transition and the Emergence of Sustained Economic Growth," Journal of the European Economic Association, MIT Press, vol. 3(2-3), pages 494-504, 04/05.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • B10 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - General
    • B22 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Macroeconomics
    • F01 - International Economics - - General - - - Global Outlook
    • N10 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - General, International, or Comparative

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