Although group processes are often ignored in economics, it is known from sociology and psychology that they do exert influence. The economist R.H. Coase has already pointed to the costs of the operation of markets and organizations. Recently, among others the economist P. Frijters and the sociologist J.S. Coleman have elaborated on this phenomenon. The present column describes the group dynamics with the help of the book of D.R. Forsyth. Discussed are leadership, the influence of group norms, decisions, and conflicts within the group and between groups .... Read more
01-06-2020: The protestant trade union movement (2)
Author: E.A. Bakkum
It is controversial among economists and sociologists, how much weight must be attached to morals in socio-economic processes. The present column tries to answer this question by studying the history of the trade union federation CNV. The position of the protestant trade union movement is studied for the periods of, successively, the social rebellion around 1918, the corporatism in the interbellum, the reconstruction after 1945, and the rise of New Left after 1966. Although morals are quite flexible, and often do do not live up to their pretensions, they yet do exert influence .... Read more
Happiness economics is still in full development. The present column elaborates on several controversial points in this discipline. Various types of utility are studied, among others of the cognitive and affective type. The phenomenon of unemployment is an illustration of this. All in all the monistic utility seems yet to be most useful. Observations of feelings have a rate-scale, with a fixed reference point. Happiness increases with the individual income, also at the national level. So there is no reason for state paternalism, such as a policy of braking growth .... Read more
18-05-2020: Liberalism and communitarianism
Author: E.A. Bakkum
The economic order is determined by the image of man, that is adhered to. Since socialism was discredited, liberalism has become universally dominant. However, communitarianism is an alternative. The present column describes communitarianism, as well as a variant, multiculturalism. The relation with marxism is also discussed. Amitai Etzioni is an important ideologist of communitarianism. He introduces the I&We model, and the new Golden Rule. Pieter Hilhorst suggests ideas for its practical implementation .... Read more
12-05-2020: The protestant trade union movement (1)
Author: E.A. Bakkum
Several previous columns have studied the mission of the trade union movement. The present column elaborates on this, but with special attention to the morals. The protestant trade union movement is a promising object of analysis for the role of the moral factor. The development of Patrimonium into the CNV is described. Notably the liberal and communitarian views on the trade union movement can be compared with each other. The main text is illustrated with many fascinating examples from practice, which for convenience are presented as footnotes .... Read more