Debating the Role of Institutions in Political and Economic Development: Theory, History, and Findings*

Stanley L. Engerman; Kenneth L. Sokoloff

doi:10.1146/annurev.polisci.11.120406.135217

Annual Review of Political Science

Volume 11, 2008

Review Article

Debating the Role of Institutions in Political and Economic Development: Theory, History, and Findings*

Stanley L. Engerman¹, and Kenneth L. Sokoloff²
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Affiliations: ¹Departments of Economics and History, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14627-0156; email: [email protected]; ²Deceased
Vol. 11:119-135 (Volume publication date June 2008) https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.polisci.11.120406.135217
© Annual Reviews

Abstract

This essay examines the recent use of the concept of institutions in economics and political science, and the impact of institutions on economic growth and democracy. The discussion includes the definition of institutions, the question of endogenous and exogenous origins of institutions, the role of fixed and flexible institutions, and the relations among different types of institutions. Particular attention is given to recent books by Avner Greif and by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson.

Keyword(s): democratic suffrage, endogenous institutions, exogenous institutions, flexible institutions, institutionalism

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2008-06-15

2024-04-26