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Is There a Free-Market Economist in the House? The Policy Views of American Economic Association Members

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Listed:
  • Stern, Charlotta

    (Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University)

  • Klein, Daniel B.

    (George Mason University, USA, (and Ratio Institute, Stockholm).)

Abstract

People often suppose or imply that free-market economists constitute a significant portion of all economists. We surveyed American Economic Association members and asked their views on 18 specific forms of government activism. We find that about 8 percent of AEA members can be considered supporters of free-market principles, and that less than 3 percent may be called strong supporters. The data is broken down by voting behavior (Democratic or Republican). Even the average Republican AEA member is “middle-of-the-road,” not free-market. We offer several possible explanations of the apparent difference between actual and attributed views.

Suggested Citation

  • Stern, Charlotta & Klein, Daniel B., 2006. "Is There a Free-Market Economist in the House? The Policy Views of American Economic Association Members," Working Paper Series 6/2006, Stockholm University, Swedish Institute for Social Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:sofiwp:2006_006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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