Ideological Differences in Economics: Why Is the Left-Right Divide Widening?

Scott Sumner

Econ Journal Watch, 2015, vol. 12, issue 1, 58-67

Abstract: I suggest that the growing divide between economists on the left and right reflects three factors: epistemic differences (that is, differences in assessing empirical matters), values, and tribalism. I begin by sketching out a simple model to explain the epistemic divide between economists on the left and the right. I also provide some empirical data in support of that model. I will suggest that the deep chasm between economists on the left and the right did not exist as recently as the 1990s. Then I try to explain why the liberalization wave of the 1980s and 1990s first came about, and why it continued until relatively recently. Finally, I discuss some differences in values, and what seems like a growing pattern of tribalism in the economic profession, mirroring broader changes in American society.

Keywords: Welfare state; regulatory state; regulation; redistribution; economists; Washington consensus (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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