Research Papers

We provided a critical overview of the literature on the convergence hypothesis, examining why statistical tests have not adequately addressed the notion of economic convergence. We proposed new research directions that focus on cross-country heterogeneity in the growth process to better understand convergence as an economic phenomenon.

We aimed to identify the shortcomings of existing empirical research on convergence and to suggest new approaches that explicitly consider cross-country differences. This approach seeks to enhance the understanding of convergence by addressing economic relevance more directly.

By focusing on cross-country heterogeneity, our proposed research directions can offer a more accurate and meaningful analysis of economic convergence. This improved understanding is essential for formulating effective economic policies that promote growth and reduce disparities between countries.

We provided an overview of an approach that integrates sociological ideas into economic models of individual behavior, emphasizing the influence of social context and interdependences on decision-making. We based our analysis on the framework developed by Brock and Durlauf (2001, forthcoming), assessing empirical evidence and exploring policy implications.

We aimed to bridge the gap between economics and sociology by incorporating social influences into economic models. This integration helps to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how social factors shape individual choices and economic outcomes.

Integrating sociological perspectives into economic models enhances the explanatory power of these models regarding individual behavior and social interactions. This approach can inform more effective policies that address the complex interplay between social context and economic decisions.

We critically reviewed Robert Putnam’s influential work, “Bowling Alone,” focusing on its analysis of social capital in America. We assessed the book’s strengths and weaknesses, highlighting both its extensive documentation of community life and its conceptual and empirical shortcomings.

We aimed to evaluate “Bowling Alone” within the broader context of social capital literature, identifying its contributions and limitations. This evaluation helps to understand the validity and implications of Putnam’s claims about social capital’s role in socioeconomic phenomena.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of “Bowling Alone” is essential for assessing the broader social capital literature. By critically examining Putnam’s analysis, we can better gauge the importance of social capital in explaining socioeconomic outcomes and inform future research in this field.

We explored the implications of studies on cross-country growth determinants for evaluating alternative policies. We analyzed the insights gained from empirical growth studies over the past fifteen years and their role in understanding the growth experiences of various countries.

We aimed to assess how empirical growth studies, influenced by seminal works of Lucas and Romer, contribute to the evaluation of different growth policies. This helps in understanding the practical applications of theoretical growth models.

Evaluating alternative policies based on cross-country growth studies provides valuable insights for macroeconomic policy-making. Understanding similarities and differences in growth experiences aids in formulating effective and context-specific economic strategies.

We explained how empirical studies of economic growth do not reflect the theoretical perspective of growth economics and how to reconcile these two branches of growth economics to advance the field.

Despite the significant number of studies in the area over the last 15 years, growth economics has not experienced similar progress seen in many areas of micro and macroeconomics.

Economic growth represents an important aspect of economics.