Summary
This paper has presented a descriptive analysis of the shifting patterns of productive output and topical coverage in the economic-journal literature over the last two decades. Summary results suggest that research interests have not been stagnant. In fact, the analysis reveals that economists' research interests have tended to shift direction as society's economic problems change.
The economics profession is still productive, with growth rates in research output similar to those prior to 1968. Also, the increase in the incidence of co-authorship suggests that perhaps we are smart enough to exploit comparative advantages. The profession's research output is probably best described by a saying credited to Jacob Viner, “Economics is what economists do.” One can safely state that this definition has not significantly changed.
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References
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An earlier version of this paper was presented at the 1991 Eastern Economic Association Meetings in Pittsburgh. The authors are grateful to David Colander, John Virgo and an anonymous referee for their helpful comments and suggestions. Thanks also are due to Tim Mara and Joe Pavalone for assistance in data collection.
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Heck, J.L., Zaleski, P.A. Trends in economic-journal literature: 1969–89. Atlantic Economic Journal 19, 27–32 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299117
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02299117