Gunnar Myrdal
Gunnar Myrdal: A Life of Economic Insight and Social Conscience
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Gunnar Myrdal was born on December 6, 1898, as Gunnar Carl Myrdal in Drottningholm, Sweden. He is often referred to by his initials G.C. or simply Myrdal.
#### Birth and Death Dates
December 6, 1898 – May 18, 1987
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Myrdal was a Swedish economist, sociologist, and politician who held dual nationality as both Swedish and American. He worked as an economist at the Swedish Ministry of Commerce (1929-1933), a professor of economics at Stockholm University (1944-1949), and later as Sterling Professor of Economics at Yale University (1950-1963).
#### Early Life and Background
Gunnar Myrdal was born into a family of modest means. His father, Carl Gustaf Myrdal, was an engineer, and his mother, Agda Myrdal, was a teacher. The couple instilled in their children the importance of education and social responsibility. Myrdal's early life was marked by a strong interest in economics and politics. He studied at Stockholm University, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1927.
#### Major Accomplishments
Myrdal's work had a profound impact on economic theory, particularly in the areas of welfare economics and international trade. His most notable contributions include:
The development of the concept of "welfare economics," which examines how economic policies can be used to improve social welfare.
His critique of laissez-faire capitalism, arguing that it is not an effective means for promoting economic growth or reducing poverty.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Myrdal's most influential work is arguably his 1944 book "An American Dilemma: The Negro Problem and Modern Democracy." This two-volume study examined the social and economic conditions of African Americans in the United States, leading to significant policy reforms. Other notable works include:
The Political Element in the Development of Economic Theory (1932), which critiqued classical economics and argued for a more socially conscious approach.
Beyond the Welfare State (1960), which proposed an expanded role for government in addressing social issues.
#### Impact and Legacy
Myrdal's work had far-reaching implications for economic policy, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, education, and social welfare. His critiques of capitalism and advocacy for a more active government role in addressing social issues resonated with policymakers around the world.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gunnar Myrdal's influence extends beyond his academic work to his role as an advocate for human rights and social justice. He was a vocal critic of racism and inequality, using his platform to highlight the need for greater economic equality and social mobility. His quotes and writings continue to inspire policymakers, activists, and scholars today.
Quotes by Gunnar Myrdal
In the United States, and to only slightly lesser degree in all the other rich and economically progressive Western countries, public debate has at all times been dominated by the adherents of a “free” economy.
Education has in America’s whole history been the major hope for improving the individual and society.
There is apparently nowhere a workable majority in the representative assemblies for making the specific cuts in expenditure which could bring down the taxes, and in election after election the people vote into power representatives who are as unable as they are unwilling to do anything about it.
It Is in the Agricultural Sector That the Battle for Long- Term Economic Development Will Be Won or Lost.
The big majority of Americans, who are comparatively well-off, have developed an ability to have enclaves of people living in the greatest misery almost without noticing them.
The study of women's intelligence and personality has had broadly the same history as the one we record for Negroes ... in drawing a parallel between the position of, and feeling toward, women and Negroes, we are uncovering a fundamental basis of our culture.
Planned parenthood" in the social history of the Western countries is, indeed, a phenomenon instrin-sically related to those very changes in peoples attitudes which, on the political plane, have been causing the trend towards economic planning.
Correlations are not explanations and besides, they can be as spurious as the high correlation in Finland between foxes killed and divorces.