The structuralist tradition in economics: methodological and macroeconomics aspects

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2015)

Apr-Jun / 2015
Published April 1, 2015
PDF-English
PDF-English

How to Cite

Missio, Fabricio, Frederico Gonçalves Jayme Jr., and José Luis Oreiro. 2015. “The Structuralist Tradition in Economics: Methodological and Macroeconomics Aspects”. Brazilian Journal of Political Economy 35 (2):247-66. https://centrodeeconomiapolitica.org.br/repojs/index.php/journal/article/view/223.

The structuralist tradition in economics: methodological and macroeconomics aspects

Fabricio Missio
Assistant Professor at the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS).
Frederico Gonçalves Jayme Jr.
Professor at CEDEPLAR, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
José Luis Oreiro
Associate Professor at Instituto de Economia at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Level IB Researcher at CNPq and President of Brazilian Keynesian Association.
Brazilian Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 35 No. 2 (2015), Apr-Jun / 2015, Pages 247-266

Abstract

This paper examines the structuralist tradition in economics, emphasizing the role that structures play in the economic growth of developing countries. Since the subject at hand is evidently too large to cover in a single article, an emphasis has been brought to bear upon the macroeconomic elements of such a tradition, while also exploring its methodological aspects. It begins by analysing some general aspects of structuralism in economics (its evolution and origins) associated with ECLAC thought, in this instance focusing on the dynamics of the center-periphery relationship. Thereafter, the macroeconomic structuralism derived from the works of Taylor (1983, 1991) is presented, followed by a presentation of neo-structuralism. Centred on the concept of systemic competitiveness, this approach defines a strategy to achieve the high road of globalization, understood here as an inevitable process in spite of its engagement being dependent on the policies adopted. The conclusions show the genuine contributions of this tradition to economic theory.

JEL Classification: B22; F43; O12.


Keywords: structures constraints and economic development