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Economists who studied in the '80s tend to have a pretty…

“Economists who studied in the '80s tend to have a pretty crude neoclassical view that's just about freeing up prices and markets, and then you'll get the growth and everybody benefits. And they'll just repeat that, because if you're a minister or a senior civil servant, you don't have time to read…” quote by Duncan Green
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“Economists who studied in the '80s tend to have a pretty crude neoclassical view that's just about freeing up prices and markets, and then you'll get the growth and everybody benefits. And they'll just repeat that, because if you're a minister or a senior civil servant, you don't have time to read anything anymore. You get very fixed in your views.”

Duncan Green

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Older economic models often oversimplify market dynamics, leading policymakers to repeat outdated ideas without critical examination.

In simple terms: Old models can be too simple.

Key Takeaway

Seek updated, nuanced economic analyses.

Themes

economics policy education

Mood

critical informative

Type

policy academic

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • development planning
  • academic research
  • public debate

Key Concepts

neoclassical theory policy inertia knowledge gaps

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can policymakers stay informed of new research?
  • What mechanisms ensure diverse economic perspectives?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on old models may ignore emerging challenges.

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