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The neoclassical theory of growth and distribution

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  • Robert M. Solow

    (Massachussets Institute of Technology, Department of Economics, Cambridge, Mass (USA))

Abstract

The paper surveys the neoclassical theory of growth. As a preliminary, the meaning of the adjective "neoclassical" is discussed. The basic model is then sketched, and the conditions ensuring a stationary state are illustrated. The issue of the convergence to a stationary state (and that of the speed of convergence) is further considered. A discussion of "primary factors" opens the way to the "new" theory of growth, with endogenous technical progress. A number of extensions of the basic model are then recalled: two-sector and multi-sectoral models, overlapping generations models, the role of money in growth models.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert M. Solow, 2000. "The neoclassical theory of growth and distribution," Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Quarterly Review, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, vol. 53(215), pages 349-381.
    • Handle: RePEc:psl:bnlqrr:2000:41
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    Cited by:

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    3. Bofinger, Peter & Geißendörfer, Lisa & Haas, Thomas & Mayer, Fabian, 2021. "Discovering the True Schumpeter - New Insights into the Finance and Growth Nexus," CEPR Discussion Papers 16851, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    4. Avi J. Cohen, 2003. "Retrospectives: Whatever Happened to the Cambridge Capital Theory Controversies?," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 17(1), pages 199-214, Winter.
    5. Baranzini, Mauro L. & Mirante, Amalia, 2021. "Pasinetti's theorem: A narrow escape, for what was to become an inexhaustible research programme," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 470-481.
    6. Nelson H. Barbosa Filho, 2004. "A Simple Model Of Demand-Led Growth And Income Distribution," Anais do XXXII Encontro Nacional de Economia [Proceedings of the 32nd Brazilian Economics Meeting] 038, ANPEC - Associação Nacional dos Centros de Pós-Graduação em Economia [Brazilian Association of Graduate Programs in Economics].
    7. John Nevile, 2018. "Learning from full employment history: The 1945 Australian White Paper in practice," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 29(4), pages 446-458, December.
    8. Luigi L. Pasinetti, 2000. "Critique of the neoclassical theory of growth and distribution," Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Quarterly Review, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, vol. 53(215), pages 383-431.
    9. Luigi L. Pasinetti, 2000. "Critique of the neoclassical theory of growth and distribution," BNL Quarterly Review, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, vol. 53(215), pages 383-431.
    10. Eckhard Hein & Lena Vogel, 2007. "Distribution and growth reconsidered - empirical results for Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA," IMK Working Paper 03-2007, IMK at the Hans Boeckler Foundation, Macroeconomic Policy Institute.
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    13. John Lodewijks & John W Nevile, 2013. "John Nevile: The last two decades," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 24(2), pages 135-149, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Distribution; Growth; Income Distribution; Income;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O41 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - One, Two, and Multisector Growth Models
    • E25 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Aggregate Factor Income Distribution

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