Synopses & Reviews
The two historical debates studied here are concerned with the impact of technological change on unemployment and on the economy generally. The topic is of enduring interest among both economists and the public at large. The history of these 20th century debates has not previously been studied in detail, and the book provides valuable insight into the evolution of the understanding of a fundamental issue in the economy. By providing insight into idea evolution and economic methodology, the book is a valuable description of the ways in which economists work and react to each other.
Review
Economists have generally been optimistic about the effects of technological change, but occasionally fears have arisen that it will cause significant, perhaps enduring, unemployment. In this book Woirol...focuses on two periods in which the optimism was challenged--the late 1920s and 1930s, when economists grappled with "technological unemployment," and the 1960s, when they debated the importance of "structural unemployment." Woirol makes a solid contribution to the history of economic thought and provides an evenhanded, concise (though encyclopedic and well-documented), readable,...chronological survey of both the theoretical and empirical literature.... A useful addition to graduate and research collections in labor economics or the history of economic thought.Choice
Synopsis
A history of debates concerning the impact of technology on employment, and a description of the techniques used by economists in establishing a consensus opinion.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. [183]-197) and index.
About the Author
GREGORY R. WOIROL is Professor of Economics and holder of the Richard and Billie Deihl Distinguished Chair at Whittier College.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
The Machinery and Unemployment Debates
Origin of the Technological Unemployment Debates
Theoretical Disputes in the Technological Unemployment Debates
Empirical Contributions in the Early 1930s
Empirical Debates in the Mid-to-Late 1930s
Resolution and Interpretation of the Technological Unemployment Debates
Origin of the Structural Unemployment Debates
Evolution of the Structural Unemployment Debates
Peak Years of the Structural Unemployment Debates
Resolution and Interpretation of the Structural Unemployment Debates
Conclusion
Notes
Selected Bibliography