few economists even mention immigration control as one of…
““few economists even mention immigration control as one of those nasty regulations hampering the workings of the free labour market. Hardly any of them advocates the abolition of immigration control. But, if they are to be consistent, they should also advocate free immigration. The fact that few of them do once again proves my point inThing 1that the boundary of the market is politically determined and that free-market economists are as ‘political’ as those who want to regulate markets.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that free‑market economists are politically biased because they accept market boundaries, suggesting they should support free immigration.
In simple terms: Economists' stance on markets is political, not purely economic.
Question market assumptions about neutrality.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- academic discourse
- public opinion
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think economic theories can be truly apolitical?
- How might free immigration affect labor markets?
The claim may oversimplify economists' nuanced positions.