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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Working Paper No. 75, The Utopian Socialists Reconsidered, Aden Quenemoen
Working Paper No. 75, The Utopian Socialists Reconsidered, Aden Quenemoen
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that efforts to formulate utopian solutions to societal challenges are deserving of reconsideration, especially when the national and international solutions influenced by one Karl Marx and his followers appear to have reached their nadir as the Soviet experiment ended by the start of the 1990s. Such requires us to look back in time prior to Marx by considering contributions advanced by the likes of: Henri de Saint-Simon, Robert Owen, and Charles Fourier. What is stressed is that all three of these authors advanced novel ideas, with some of their ideas deemed important and enduring, while …
Working Paper No. 77, Deconstructing The Kardashian-Based Economy, Alec Van Rossum
Working Paper No. 77, Deconstructing The Kardashian-Based Economy, Alec Van Rossum
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that connections can indeed be made between Thorstein Veblen's contributions towards our understanding of social stratification related to patterns of consumption, and the rise in importance of the Kardashian family. We take Veblen’s seminal and enduring book, The Theory of the Leisure Class: An Economic Study of Institutions [1899] and relate some of the ideas therein to what is being coined herein as a “Kardashian-Based Economy.” By drawing connections between selected ideas that Veblen's advanced, and some of the influences displayed by some members of the Kardashian family on consumer culture, we aim to understand …
Working Paper No. 83, The New Focus On Mexico, Maria Zavala
Working Paper No. 83, The New Focus On Mexico, Maria Zavala
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that China’s falling into unfavorable relations with Washington has contributed to a new focus on Mexico. China’s aggressively competing with America for technological supremacy has indeed elicited a U.S. response. Over recent years and months, the U.S. has implemented a host of measures intended to mitigate China’s competition. Along with disruptions to the supply chain and growing political concerns, company leaders have found it increasingly difficult to continue manufacturing in China. Relatedly, investment flows are streaming towards Mexico in what is now termed as “nearshoring.” This tendency comes with a set of workable challenges. With …
Working Paper No. 78, On Lenin, And The State As A Necessary Tool, J.P. Trafford
Working Paper No. 78, On Lenin, And The State As A Necessary Tool, J.P. Trafford
Working Papers in Economics
In his The State and Revolution [1918], Vladimir Illich Ulyanov—also known as Lenin—singles out the organ of the “State” as the institution essential for realizing a successful communist revolution. Lenin’s draws his thinking on the State from Karl Marx, who in his writings expresses the view that a State emerges in order to mitigate class conflicts. From this perspective, the State becomes an organ for class rule. History teaches us that the State occupies a position above society and is utilized as a special coercive force for exerting the wills of members of the ruling class upon the working class. …
Working Paper No. 84, Designing The Future: The Influence Of Lloyd J. Reynolds On American Product Innovation, Bander Qadan
Working Paper No. 84, Designing The Future: The Influence Of Lloyd J. Reynolds On American Product Innovation, Bander Qadan
Working Papers in Economics
This research inquiry shall explore how critical advances in American design products and consumerism can be traced back to the late Lloyd J. Reynolds and the silent yet powerful influence he has had on a generation of students, such as the innovative pioneer, Steve Jobs. Lloyd J. Reynolds was a renowned calligrapher and teacher at Reed College. The inquiry is structured chronologically, leading to Apple's 2022 valuation of about two trillion dollars. Four significant areas shall be examined to trace this trajectory. Firstly, the paper examines the effects of calligraphy/typography on Lloyd J. Reynolds. Secondly, it delves into Steve Jobs’ …
Working Paper No. 76, An Inquiry Into The Foundations Of Primary Socialist Accumulation, Jason Mcghee
Working Paper No. 76, An Inquiry Into The Foundations Of Primary Socialist Accumulation, Jason Mcghee
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that author and economist Evgenii Alekseevich Preobrazhenskii provided a substantial theoretical foundation for the Soviet “Grand Experiment.” What Preobrazhenskii sought to address were identifiable contradictions inherent in a nascent socialist system surrounded by capitalist countries. This inquiry focuses on Preobrazhenskii's contributions during the implementation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) at the start of the 1920s and to an area in the field of the “History of Economic Thought” known as “The Soviet Industrialization Debates.” Efforts are made to highlight key ideas advanced in his article On Primary Socialist Accumulation [1926]. In addition, this inquiry …
Working Paper No. 80, On W. Stanley Jevons And Britain’S “Coal Question”, Matthew Phan
Working Paper No. 80, On W. Stanley Jevons And Britain’S “Coal Question”, Matthew Phan
Working Papers in Economics
Nineteenth century Britain emerged as the center for the industrial world; with coal serving as the energy carrier which would prove itself as a key resource for powering Britain’s industry and for generating her prosperity. At the same time, coal served as a sector in which innovations were also being devised and introduced. This inquiry seeks to establish that one W. Stanley Jevons, an academic lecturing at the University of Manchester, expressed concerns regarding what he and some others phrased as Britain’s “coal question,” and took to addressing issues associated with its depletion. In so doing, Jevons’ writings would offer …
Working Paper No. 82, The Importance Of The Cold War And Its Ending, Abraham Escudero
Working Paper No. 82, The Importance Of The Cold War And Its Ending, Abraham Escudero
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the citizenry inhabiting the two superpowers derived benefits from the Cold War; advantages that appear to have diminished with the start of the Post-Cold War Era. In the 1930s the Great Depression brought into question the efficacy of the Western capitalist system. As a challenge, a Soviet model running on a revolutionary zeal associated with establishing a new society underscored Joseph Stalin’s super-industrialization drive. The citizenry of both superpowers, as well as citizenry around the world, would ultimately benefit from the competition for dominance, albeit with certain costs, especially for human rights. Shifts in …
Working Paper No. 79, On The Emergence Of And Failures Of Cybernetics In The Soviet Union, Leah Herrera
Working Paper No. 79, On The Emergence Of And Failures Of Cybernetics In The Soviet Union, Leah Herrera
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that despite potentially offering significant efficiency gains leading to an era of intensive economic growth, cybernetics in the USSR fell short in being implemented because of a) lack of coordination between competing ministries; b) inadequate policies; and c) insufficient funding. Though the structure of government in the USSR appeared to be centralized and hierarchical, with economic and government plans and policies traveling from the top down, in practice, ministries acted more like heterarchies, leading to ministerial competition over the large cybernetic projects meant to reform the administrative command economy—from the mid-1950s through to the late …
Working Paper No. 63, On Karl Polanyi And His Conception Of Fascism, Serene Mistkawi
Working Paper No. 63, On Karl Polanyi And His Conception Of Fascism, Serene Mistkawi
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the writings of author Karl Polanyi offered insights into key variables and historical conditions that gave rise to the system we know of as “fascism.” Integral to his insights, Polanyi describes economic conditions attendant for fascism to emerge, with one condition noted as widespread and persistent unemployment. Polanyi stresses that fascism needs to be understood as reactionary, a responding to features integral to classical liberalism. Considering a broad historical context Polanyi teaches us of the political conditions necessary for fascism to emerge and take form as political movements wielding power. He considers conflicts in …
Working Paper No. 71, Max Weber: On Religion And Economic Outcomes, Celeste Aiu Taber
Working Paper No. 71, Max Weber: On Religion And Economic Outcomes, Celeste Aiu Taber
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that early sociologist Max Weber advances a view that religious faith could indeed affect economic outcomes. In his analysis of Reformed faiths, Weber determines that “the calling” inspired by Martin Luther transformed the work ethic of believers, instilling in them a spirit suitable for the advancement of modern capitalism. The Reformed work ethic observed by Weber served as a basis for individual Protestants to accumulate wealth. Weber also considers the developments of religious asceticism among the faiths of Calvinism, Pietism, Methodism, and the Baptist movements. The ascetic character of these religious communities assisted in generating …
Working Paper No. 72, The 1849 Gold Rush And The Roots Of California’S Economic Development, Matthew Phan
Working Paper No. 72, The 1849 Gold Rush And The Roots Of California’S Economic Development, Matthew Phan
Working Papers in Economics
The Californian Gold Rush, commonly referred to as the “1849 Gold Rush” proved to be a major event which brought significant change to California. This inquiry seeks to establish that this 1849 Gold Rush provided a foundation for a broadly shared prosperity through contributing to the advancement of California’s industry. The first part in this inquiry goes into some detail regarding how the gold rush got initiated, would become a major event for the world. The second part explores what changes the gold rush had brought for California’s industry, economic development, and broadly shared prosperity. The third part explains more …
Working Paper No. 68, Variables Precipitating The Extermination Of The American Bison, Cameron Winterer
Working Paper No. 68, Variables Precipitating The Extermination Of The American Bison, Cameron Winterer
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that innovations in tanning technology advanced by Europeans in the late 19th century accelerated the destruction of the bison, and subsequently the downfall of bison-reliant indigenous groups of the Great Plains, especially. The North American bison is considered as a crucial natural resource in the plains region of North America. What this inquiry seeks to emphasize is that advancements in technology, coupled with a growing demand for bison hides, contributed to the demise of bison populations. Lastly, this inquiry seeks to examine the near extinction of the plains bison and some of the effects their …
Working Paper No. 73, “Placing-Out”: Dealing With Vagrant Children In 19th Century America, Josephine Cannistra
Working Paper No. 73, “Placing-Out”: Dealing With Vagrant Children In 19th Century America, Josephine Cannistra
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to convince the reader that motivations of 19th century aid societies were not necessarily rooted in the welfare of vagrant children, but rather in the goals of bolstering American agriculture and creating a new generation of farmers out of children that likely would have otherwise proved a direct social and economic burden. While apprenticeships have a long history in the United States, the joining of apprenticeships and indentured labor formed a 19th century system of placing children out into rural homes as contracted workers. This system, as social movement from above, offered economic benefits to farmers and …
Working Paper No. 69, Towards An Evolutionary History Of Gleaning, Stella Burlingame
Working Paper No. 69, Towards An Evolutionary History Of Gleaning, Stella Burlingame
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the act of gleaning can be understood through an evolutionary approach. Because gleaning has been practiced in some form in almost every agricultural system, this inquiry shall consider several different regions and time periods, taking into account the distinct economic and social structures. The segments of history to be explored here range from antiquity, as documented in Scripture, through early modernity, and into the post-modern era.
Working Paper No. 70, Industrialization, Retail Activities, And The Rise Of American Consumerism, Joseph French
Working Paper No. 70, Industrialization, Retail Activities, And The Rise Of American Consumerism, Joseph French
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the department store can be viewed as a novel institution that emerged to facilitate an economic relationship between a burgeoning American industrial sector and a new generation of working-class consumers with rising incomes and changing needs. The development of retail in America lagged behind Europe for many decades, until the rapid pace of American industrialization acted as a catalyst for retail to evolve into a modern institution. Alongside the creation of the department store, American cities were taking to the skies, and those who inhabited them would establish a new socio-economic class that was …
Working Paper No. 67, Insights Into Project Cybersyn, Leah Herrera
Working Paper No. 67, Insights Into Project Cybersyn, Leah Herrera
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that back in the 1970s Chile’s “Project Cybersyn” offered novel approaches and specific technologies that appeared to have benefitted capitalism as a system. The Spanish name, SYNCO served as an acronym for Sistema de Información y Control. President Salvador Allende expected that the attributes associated with Project Cybersyn could assist his efforts in implementing his variant of socialism. Cybersyn consisted of a network (Cybernet), software (Cyberstride), computers, a economic simulator known as CHECO, and a control room (Opsroom.) Cybersyn reached an advanced prototype stage; however, its fate was also tied to the interests of the …
Working Paper No. 74, Some Influential Effects Of The Typewriter On The American Economy, Bander Qadan
Working Paper No. 74, Some Influential Effects Of The Typewriter On The American Economy, Bander Qadan
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the introduction of the typewriter generated effects upon the American economy by promoting productivity increases, enhancing communications, and improving management. In addition, this inquiry seeks to illustrate how the typewriter affected American businesses by providing efficiency in time management and documents’ production. Furthermore, this inquiry shall showcase how the typewriter affected women’s work in the American economy, especially with respect to inclusivity within the workplace as well as the enhancement of communications. Additionally, this inquiry shall analyze how the development of the QWERTY keyboard and its related “lock-in” generated effects on the American economy.
Working Paper No. 55, An Inquiry Into The Assumptions And Tenets Of Neoclassical Economics That Lead Towards Income Inequality, Katharine Nester
Working Paper No. 55, An Inquiry Into The Assumptions And Tenets Of Neoclassical Economics That Lead Towards Income Inequality, Katharine Nester
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that key assumptions foundational to Neoclassical Economics contribute towards income inequality. A consideration of the Neoclassical interpretation and assumptions of the laissez-faire approach to market economies opens the inquiry. I examine the economic outcomes that result when the assumptions underpinning the Neoclassical application of laissez-faire are false, as they often are in the real world. The inquiry then turns to the theories and natural “laws” as advanced by Vilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) and John Bates (J. B.) Clark (1847-1938), which were built upon the Neoclassical adaptation of laissez-faire and became canon in the Neoclassical school. Finally, …
Working Paper No. 66, Sir John Bowring, Trade Policies And Economic Development In Siam, Jackrit Kamudhamas
Working Paper No. 66, Sir John Bowring, Trade Policies And Economic Development In Siam, Jackrit Kamudhamas
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that during the mid-19th century Sir John Bowring emerged as a proponent who formulated distinct trade policies that served to promote the economic development of Siam (Thailand). This thesis is supported with three parts. The first part investigates the trade policies of the Burney Treaty as the first step towards the initiation of a new form of foreign trade policies between Siam and the British Empire and other western countries. The second part explores further Sir Bowing’s thoughts and his mission in achieving the adjusting agreements of the Bowring Treaty. And lastly, the third part …
Working Paper No. 54, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen And Ecological Economics, Miriam Silverman
Working Paper No. 54, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen And Ecological Economics, Miriam Silverman
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that in his book The Entropy Law and the Economic Process [1971] (2013), author Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen provides a foundation for Ecological Economics. The Entropy Law implies that the economic process is limited because it is reliant on finite natural resources, e.g., fossil fuels and minerals, as the economic process involves relying upon low-entropy natural resources in the production of consumer goods, and then results in the discarding of high-entropy waste, e.g., heat in the form of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses, into the environment, eventually resulting in noticeable degradation. Notably, these ideas from Georgescu-Roegen’s …
Working Paper No. 64, Ecological Economics Versus Environmental Economics, Audrey Demeaux
Working Paper No. 64, Ecological Economics Versus Environmental Economics, Audrey Demeaux
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the field within the Discipline of Economic Science known as Ecological Economics is based upon assumptions and methodological foundations that differ from the field of Environmental Economics. It shall be argued that Environmental Economics did not emerge as the result of a new shift in economic thinking, but rather formed around a reorientation of standard neoclassical assumptions. This was undertaken in an effort to address environmental issues emerging several decades back. In contrast, it shall be argued that the field of Ecological Economics has brought to the Economics Discipline an appreciation for novel assumptions …
Working Paper No. 59, Cultural Imperialism And Hegemony, Maria Zavala
Working Paper No. 59, Cultural Imperialism And Hegemony, Maria Zavala
Working Papers in Economics
While the traditional colonial imperialism of France and Great Britain ended after World War Two, it can be argued that a new form of imperialism replaced it. What is known as “cultural imperialism” includes the art of inserting a covert idea into person's mind by use of popular culture. Herein, Antonio Gramsci’s ideas of cultural imperialism are contemplated. This paper explores the topic by focusing upon some of the effects that popular American music has had on Latin music and the changes in culturally acceptable trends that have followed. Then, American beauty standards and the Eurocentric beauty standards of Latin …
Working Paper No. 65, On Debt, Enclosure And Witchcraft, Jenna Schoof
Working Paper No. 65, On Debt, Enclosure And Witchcraft, Jenna Schoof
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the process of commons-enclosure taking place in 14th-16th century Europe also required an “enclosure” of the female body, which was carried out by introducing radically novel conceptions of debt. The dual processes of bodily dispossession and debt imposition acted as a single force which is paradoxically the origin and effect of capitalist accumulation. This process began in Europe during the period of “transition” between feudalism and capitalism but has remained an essential component of capitalist accumulation through to globalization in contemporary times. To support this thesis, this inquiry considers the evolution of debt; the …
Working Paper No. 56, Towards A Veblenian View Of Non-Fungible Tokens, Kamren Geist
Working Paper No. 56, Towards A Veblenian View Of Non-Fungible Tokens, Kamren Geist
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that ideas advanced by Thorstein Veblen in his book, The Theory of the Leisure Class [1899], offer insights into nonfungible tokens. Through the evolution of technology -- aided by broad access to the internet -- the emergence of non-fungible tokens can be understood to offer the leisure class a novel form of conspicuous consumption. Enabled by expansive networks, members of the leisure class can now engage in conspicuous displays of wealth and therewith establish their status relative to members of the laboring class as well as members of the leisure class. While there exist many …
Working Paper No. 61, The Regulation Of Hemp In The United States, Olivia Carrillo
Working Paper No. 61, The Regulation Of Hemp In The United States, Olivia Carrillo
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that in the United States the growing and processing of industrial hemp faced an array of barriers. Its involvement in the effort during World War Two was successful and experienced high praise from the federal government. While hemp provided measurable and grand benefits as a strategic war crop, its importance diminished sharply as the United States transitioned out of the war era. What was once a highly desirable crop became a demonized crop that gradually faded into the background of the American economy. Despite its initial positive portrayal, the utilization of industrial hemp was essentially …
Working Paper No. 58, Auro Ex Oleum: Departing The American Gold Standard*, Zakhary L. Roth
Working Paper No. 58, Auro Ex Oleum: Departing The American Gold Standard*, Zakhary L. Roth
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the character of the United States dollar fundamentally changed over the course of the 20th century as it moved away from its being rooted in the gold standard. As the global economy transitioned into the 20th century and the United States began establishing itself as a cornerstone of global trade, the dollar evolved into the standard currency of the world economy, changing significantly along the way as it moved from a gold-backed standard to the reserve currency of the international petroleum trade. These changes are reflected in U.S. foreign and monetary policy throughout this …
Working Paper No. 53, Mexico Under Neoliberalism, Daniela M. Ávila Arévalo
Working Paper No. 53, Mexico Under Neoliberalism, Daniela M. Ávila Arévalo
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that a set of policies that can be identified as ‘neoliberalism’ has generated observable effects on the economy and society of Mexico. Initiated during the last decades of the twentieth century, a combination of external and internal interests led to the implementation of neoliberal policies. The marketization of Mexico’s economy during the 1980s and 90s consolidated ‘structural adjustments.’ Through extensive privatization of what were statist assets, combined with the deregulation of trade as well as numerous aspects of private sector activity, the Mexican economy came to rely upon a low-wage labor export-model that also undermined …
Working Paper No. 60, The Importance Of Industrial Hemp In The Early United States, Olivia Carrillo
Working Paper No. 60, The Importance Of Industrial Hemp In The Early United States, Olivia Carrillo
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that in the early United States industrial hemp emerged as an important crop. In Colonial America, hemp was a desirable commodity that attracted capital investments into its cultivation and processing. Because of its durability and strength, hemp fibers had substantial worth in the production of thread, rope, and heavy canvas. Not only was the cultivation of hemp important for the development of a variety of household products, but hemp also played a military role, as the hemp fibers were spun, woven, and fashioned into sails that provided wind power for commercial and military navies. However, …
Working Paper No. 57, The Plight Of The Indigenous In British North America, Maria Nicolas-Reyes
Working Paper No. 57, The Plight Of The Indigenous In British North America, Maria Nicolas-Reyes
Working Papers in Economics
This inquiry seeks to establish that the Indigenous population of North America experienced a tragic fate as a result of British colonization and American dominance. Upon the arrival of the English colonists, infectious diseases spread rapidly, disrupting Native American’s way of life and also decimating their populations. This inquiry examines two geographic areas—Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Midcontinent—in order to demonstrate how these diseases affected Native Americans differently. Aside from the negative effects of the introduction of new infectious diseases, Indigenous peoples endured genocide perpetrated by English settlers as a means to gain greater control of their lands. Lastly, Indigenous …