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Du Bois and Veblen's concepts of relative position: Common Ground or Stratification Economics and Institutionalist Economics

Author

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  • Davis, John B.

    (Department of Economics Marquette University)

Abstract

W. E. B. Du Bois and Thorstein Veblen employed the concept of relative position. Du Bois' thinking reflects how for Stratification economics people's relative positions explain racial discrimination and segregation. Veblen reflects how for Institutionalist economics people's relative positions explain the role institutions have in the evolution of the economy. Racism in the US marginalized Du Bois' contributions, leaving a divide between his and Veblen's thinking and also between Stratification economics and Institutionalist economics. This has limited the perceived importance of the concept of relative position in economics, leaving it with the 'position-less' asocial individualism of Neoclassical-mainstream economics. This paper compares Du Bois and Veblen's conceptions of the concept of relative position and discusses the potential common ground it creates for Stratification economics and Institutionalist economics.

Suggested Citation

  • Davis, John B., 2026. "Du Bois and Veblen's concepts of relative position: Common Ground or Stratification Economics and Institutionalist Economics," Working Papers and Research 2026-01, Marquette University, Center for Global and Economic Studies and Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:mrq:wpaper:2026-01
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    File URL: https://epublications.marquette.edu/econ_workingpapers/106
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • B15 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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