Joan Robinson
Joan Robinson
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
--------------------------------
Full name: Joan Violet Maurice, Lady Robinson
Common aliases: J.V. (Robinson)
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born on October 31, 1903, in Surrey, England
Died on February 5, 1983, in Cambridge, England
Nationality and Profession(s)
-------------------------------
Nationality: British
Professions: Economist, Academic, Author
Early Life and Background
-----------------------------
Joan Robinson was born into a family of modest means, but her parents valued education and encouraged her to pursue her interests. She developed a passion for mathematics and economics at an early age and went on to study at Girton College, Cambridge, where she met her future husband, Austin Robinson. After completing her degree in 1925, Joan went on to earn her Ph.D. from Cambridge, becoming one of the first women to achieve this distinction.
Major Accomplishments
-------------------------
Joan Robinson made significant contributions to the field of economics, particularly in the areas of development economics and Marxist theory. Her work challenged conventional wisdom and paved the way for future generations of economists. Some of her notable accomplishments include:
Development Economics: Robinson's pioneering work on development economics highlighted the need for a more nuanced understanding of economic growth and underdevelopment.
Marxist Theory: She was one of the first Western economists to engage with Marxist theory, using it to inform her analysis of economic systems.
Notable Works or Actions
---------------------------
Some of Joan Robinson's most notable works include:
"Economic Philosophy" (1962): This book represents a comprehensive overview of her economic thought and its relationship to philosophy.
"Accumulation of Capital" (1956): In this work, Robinson develops a critique of Sraffa's theory of capital accumulation, which had significant implications for the development of Marxist economics.
Impact and Legacy
----------------------
Joan Robinson's impact on the field of economics cannot be overstated. Her work has influenced generations of economists and continues to shape our understanding of economic systems today. Her legacy extends beyond her academic contributions, as she also played a key role in promoting women's participation in higher education and challenging patriarchal norms within the academy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
-----------------------------------------
Joan Robinson is widely quoted or remembered for several reasons:
Innovative Thinking: Her work challenged conventional wisdom and introduced new perspectives on economic development, underdevelopment, and Marxist theory.
Pioneering Spirit: As one of the first women to achieve a Ph.D. in economics from Cambridge, Robinson paved the way for future generations of women economists.
* Enduring Relevance: Despite being written decades ago, her work remains relevant today, continuing to shape our understanding of economic systems and their impact on society.
By exploring Joan Robinson's life and contributions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of economic thought and the enduring impact of her work.
Quotes by Joan Robinson
The purpose of studying economics is to learn how not to be deceived by economists.
At any moment there is certainly not balanced trade between the various areas of the habitable globe that happens to be under separate national governments – there is an ever-changing pattern of deficits and surpluses.
There is an unearthly, mystical element in Friedman’s thought. The mere existence of a stock of money somehow promotes expenditure. But insofar as he offers an intelligible theory, it is made up of elements borrowed from Keynes.
It’s a terrible thing to be a worker exploited in the capitalist system. The only worse thing is to be a worker unable to find anyone to exploit you.
The purpose of studying economics is not to acquire a set of ready-made answers to economic questions, but to learn how to avoid being deceived by economists.
The only thing worse than being exploited by capitalism is not being exploited by capitalism.
The nature of technology depends very much upon what the public can be induced to put up with.
The first essential for economists ... is to ... combat, not foster, the ideology which pretends that values which can be measured in terms of money are the only ones that ought to count.