De nieuwe economie: In het voetspoor van Albert O. Hirschman

Samenvatting

Albert O. Hirschman's views on the modern economy are introduced and related to the notion of economy as communication. It is argued that, although the distinction between consumption and communication has blurred significantly with the advent of modern technology, more traditional forms of consumption (eg, service economy) often integrate communication as well. Hirschman's analysis of basic elements of economy (eg, labor and production) offers an excellent perspective on traditional and new aspects alike. Subsequently, Hirschman's usage of the notions of "voice" and "exit" to describe how the relationships between economy and communication can be configured is explained, noting that both mechanisms to protest a decrease in the quality of goods or services occur in economic as well as political contexts, and that both can be manipulated to a certain extent by addressing preferences. Finally, postwar changes in preferences are addressed, focusing on exogenous as well as endogenous influences, and the role of passion in a rational economic model is described. 15 References. S. Paul