The Role of the Economist in Economic Development.pdf

The Role of the Economist in Economic Development CHRISTOPHER J. COYNE Hampden-Sydney College Department of Economics Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943 ccoyne@ PETER J. BOETTKE George Mason University, Department of Economics MSN 3G4 Fairfax, VA 22030 pboettke@ Abstract: This paper is a reconsideration of the role of the economist in economic development. We argue that this is necessary because this role has been obscured. To understand how we have arrived at the current situation, a history of development economics is provided. We then argue that the development establishment has overlooked the importance of indigenous institutions in achieving economic progress. To remedy this, an analysis of the role that indigenous institutions play in economic development is provided. Finally, we address why the current view of the economist in the development area persists. Keywords: Economic development, institutions, culture JEL Codes: B53, O10, Z10 Christopher Coyne is Assistant Professor of Economics at Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA and a Social Change Scholar, Mercatus Center, Arlington, VA. Peter Boettke is Professor of Economics, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, and Director of