Telling It Like It Is: Reflections of a Maverick Economist

Abstract

Following the advice of institutionalist Wendell Gordon, the author aims to “tell it like it is” by reflecting on his own path to institutionalism, the economic contributions of post-Keynesian institutionalism, and some of the major issues that deserve institutionalists’ further attention. Several heterodox economists are identified as influences contributing to the making of this economic maverick, but so too are Barbara Jordan and Michael Harrington. Then attention is given to the institutionally focused pre-analytic vision of post-Keynesian institutionalism, the inescapable reality of business cycles in market-oriented economies, and the institutionalized myopia of money-manager capitalism. Some key issues warranting our further attention include the expansion of economic insecurity, the threat of authoritarianism, and the climate crisis.