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on Heterodox Microeconomics |
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Issue of 2025–03–31
six papers chosen by Carlo D’Ippoliti, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” |
| By: | Melo, Ana Teixeira; Caves, Leo Simon Dominic; El-Hani, Charbel N.; Renault, Letícia; Gershenson, Carlos; Soto-Andrade, Jorge; Ribeiro, Raquel; Röck, Tina; Pernar, Stefan; Britez, Isabel |
| Abstract: | The study of complex systems has led to deep transformations in our modes of thinking, challenging our conceptions of reality and, with them, our roles and possibilities for action as agents in a complex world. A variety of modes of thinking co-exist within the fuzzy boundaries of the domain of complexity studies. Different modes of thinking complexity and of thinking ‘in’ complexity (enacting its principles) can be distinguished in the literature, even though they are not always explicitly identified. Despite the seminal calls of Edgar Morin for the development of more generalised modes of complex thinking, this is still an underdeveloped area of research and practice under the scope of Complexity Studies. This paper aims to make a contribution to the understanding of complexity and complex systems by offering a discussion around the complexity of the modes of thinking complexity. We report both the process and the outcomes of an interdisciplinary workshop aimed at identifying key theoretical, empirical, methodological and pragmatic challenges and questions pertaining to how we think, build, coordinate and practise different modes of thinking complexity and of thinking in complexity (thinking complexly). The workshop adopted a collaborative and dialogical approach organised by a methodology grounded in a theoretical framework for the practice of complex thinking. The methodology was designed to support complex relational dialogues and facilitate emergence (e.g. of new ideas; approaches; levels of understanding; solutions) in the collective discussion. We conducted a mixed-method evaluation of both the process and contents of the discussion using a combination of inductive qualitative thematic analysis and network analysis. The results point towards new areas for interdisciplinary research and practice, signposting domains that have been under explored within the realm of complexity studies and complexity sciences. |
| Date: | 2023–11–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:osfxxx:v6t2h_v1 |
| By: | Klüh, Ulrich |
| Abstract: | We collect observations on how power constitutes itself in decentralized digital platform constellations that position themselves as alternatives to platforms operated by big tech (which we coin "hyperledgers"). We then compare these forms of power to the incumbent structures, the so called "hyperscalers". Such a comparison yields new insights into the way power "works" in surveillance-based platform capitalism. The crucial insight of our analysis is that it is highly unlikely that platform alternatives can be scaled up decisively within the current capitalist accumulation regime. Instead of focusing on finding business models within this regime, platform alternatives should therefore strive for regime change. This, however, would require new alliances, in particular between the victims of surveillance (workers and consumers) and the platform alternatives. The latter, in turn, would not only require massive public funding, but also support from civil society actors representing workers (i.e. unions) to be able to compete with incumbent hyperscalers. |
| Keywords: | Power relations, platform and surveillance capitalism, entrepreneurial activism, organizing studies, labor relations, democratization |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:znwudp:313639 |
| By: | Dillon, Sean |
| Abstract: | This study examines the declining usage lifespan of household consumer durables in the United States between 1970 and 2018, situating the phenomenon within a heterodox political economy framework. While mainstream economic narratives attribute the rising rate of consumer durable waste over this time to “overconsumption” driven by consumer materialism, this study challenges that perspective through an empirical analysis of waste generation, consumer spending, depreciation rates, and corporate profitability within the consumer durables sector. *** The findings reveal a significant divergence between rising levels of durable goods waste and relatively stable per capita ‘real’ consumer spending, suggesting that falling product longevity is largely not demand-driven. Instead, the data indicates that manufacturers have profitably reduced product durability, as evidenced by increasing rates of geometric depreciation and a rise in total sectoral earnings without proportional increases in earnings margins. *** These findings align with the theory of “planned obsolescence, ” whereby firms deliberately shorten product lifespans to drive replacement purchases and sustain profit growth. Given that this strategy cannot be adequately explained within conventional neoclassical economic models, the article draws the Veblenian theory of “strategic sabotage” to conceptualize the deliberate underutilization of technological capacity in pursuit of pecuniary gains. The study provides both empirical and theoretical evidence that the decline in consumer durables product longevity observed between 1970 and 2018 is structurally embedded in capitalist production of consumer durables goods. |
| Keywords: | capital accumulation, obsolescence, overconsumption, sabotage, waste, United States |
| JEL: | P1 Q53 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:capwps:312938 |
| By: | EL MELIGI Andrea (European Commission - JRC); FERREIRA Valeria; NECHIFOR Victor (European Commission - JRC); BOYSEN Ole (European Commission - JRC); FERRARI Emanuele (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | A Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) is a comprehensive and economy-wide database that records data on all transactions taking place in an economy over a specific period, typically one year. The SAM serves two primary objectives. Firstly, it presents the economic structure and interrelationships among economic agents in the region under analyses. Secondly, it provides a database for analysing the economyâs performance and simulating the effects of policy interventions through multisectoral linear models and computable general equilibrium (CGE) models. This paper presents the 2019 SAM for Nigeria, offering a suitable database for implementing and evaluating the country's social and economic policies. The study outlines how to pass from a standard structure of the SAM to a detailed scheme by explaining all the accounts included, and covering key aspects of its construction and estimation. Considering the characteristics of the Nigerian economy, this SAM shows a special structure to reflect the Home Production for Home Consumption (HPHC) concept and a high disaggregation of the agricultural sector. Furthermore, this SAM presents a high level of disaggregation by encompassing labour and household characteristics, considering regions and rural and urban areas. The SAM is used as a database to perform a descriptive analysis of the Nigerian economy. |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:eapoaf:202501 |
| By: | Wiman, Laua |
| Abstract: | This working paper is a tentative, solutions-oriented response to concerns that pensions would not work without economic growth. It aims to concretize post-growth visions, but also validate post-growth thinking to those who consider it too far outside the mainstream. To the contrary, this analysis begins from mainstream policy aims and economic concerns, and as its result proposes institution types that are already widespread. A pension system can be widely acceptable if it promotes three 'provisioning aims': poverty alleviation, income maintenance, and voluntary provisioning. Without economic growth, possible 'adverse economic conditions' of pension systems include low earnings; low, negative, or volatile interest rates; high inflation; and demographic aging. Additionally, even financially sustainable pension funds can have 'adverse social effects'if their interest income is extractive, exploitative, or inequality-amplifying. I argue that three broad institution types could constitute a post-growth pension system: non-contributory (governmentfinanced) minimum/basic pensions, contributory pay-as-you-go pensions, and collective pension funds. Together they promote all three provisioning aims. The provisioning aims make tradeoffs against each other and their institutions have different weaknesses regarding adverse economic conditions and social effects. Still, even without economic growth, most wealthy economies could probably promote at least poverty elimination and income maintenance without paradigmatic reforms. To close, I anticipate four interesting aspects of post-growth pensions governance: benefit protection versus cost control, distribution versus redistribution, challenging of economic individualism, and property rights within funded pension schemes. |
| Keywords: | growth dependence, eco-social policy, sustainable welfare, inequality, financialization, provisioning |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:penwps:313652 |
| By: | Innocentus Alhamis |
| Abstract: | This paper explores key theoretical frameworks instrumental in understanding the relationship between sustainability and institutional investment decisions. The study identifies and analyzes various theories, including Behavioral Finance Theory, Modern Portfolio Theory, Risk Management Theory, and others, to explain how sustainability considerations increasingly influence investment choices. By examining these frameworks, the paper highlights how investors integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors to optimize financial outcomes and align with broader societal goals. |
| Date: | 2025–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2502.13148 |