Dignity and development

Claudia R. Williamson
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Claudia Williamson Kramer

Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), 2012, vol. 41, issue 6, 763-771

Abstract: This paper explores how expanding the notion of informal institutions in the broader institutional framework provides a more complete explanation for development. Specifically, I incorporate McCloskey's notion of ‘dignity and liberty’ as part of the institutional nexus. By doing so, a richer explanation and understanding of the importance of institutions in explaining different economic outcomes is offered. Focusing on bourgeois dignity offers a precise mechanism to explain how institutions matter to support economic growth. In addition, analyzing the changing attitudes toward the bourgeoisie provides a specific example of mechanisms that can lead to institutional change.

Keywords: Dignity; Liberty; Informal institutions; Culture; Economic freedom (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F55 O43 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:soceco:v:41:y:2012:i:6:p:763-771

DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2011.12.013

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