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The Road to Serfdom after 75 Years

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  • Bruce Caldwell

Abstract

This paper revisits Friedrich Hayek's book, The Road to Serfdom, on the seventy-fifth anniversary of its publication. Though the book is well-known, its arguments are often mischaracterized. The paper traces the origins of the book, noting the various people and arguments that Hayek was responding to, and places it in the context of its times. The structure of the book is explored and some common criticisms addressed. Finally, it is shown how, after its publication, the book took on a life of its own.

Suggested Citation

  • Bruce Caldwell, 2020. "The Road to Serfdom after 75 Years," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 58(3), pages 720-748, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jeclit:v:58:y:2020:i:3:p:720-48
    DOI: 10.1257/jel.20191542
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vaughn, Karen I, 1980. "Economic Calculation under Socialism: The Austrian Contribution," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 18(4), pages 535-554, October.
    2. Hayek, F. A., 2012. "Hayek on Hayek," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226321202 edited by Kresge, Stephen & Wenar, Leif, December.
    3. Hayek, F. A., 2012. "The Trend of Economic Thinking," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226321363 edited by Bartley, III, W. W. & Kresge, Stephen, December.
    4. Hayek, F. A., 2010. "Studies on the Abuse and Decline of Reason," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226321127 edited by Caldwell, Bruce, Febrero.
    5. Burgin, Angus, 2012. "The Great Persuasion: Reinventing Free Markets since the Depression," Economics Books, Harvard University Press, number 9780674058132, Spring.
    6. Samuelson, Paul A., 2009. "A few remembrances of Friedrich von Hayek (1899-1992)," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 69(1), pages 1-4, January.
    7. Hayek, F. A., 1995. "Contra Keynes and Cambridge," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226320656 edited by Caldwell, Bruce, September.
    8. David Mitch, 2016. "A Year of Transition: Faculty Recruiting at Chicago in 1946," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 124(6), pages 1714-1734.
    9. Hayek, F. A., 2010. "Studies on the Abuse and Decline of Reason," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9780226321097 edited by Caldwell, Bruce, December.
    10. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226320625 is not listed on IDEAS
    11. Lord Robbins, 1971. "Autobiography of an Economist," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-01164-3.
    12. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226320670 is not listed on IDEAS
    13. Shearmur, Jeremy, 2006. "Hayek, The Road to Serfdom, and the British Conservatives," Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Cambridge University Press, vol. 28(3), pages 309-314, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B25 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Historical; Institutional; Evolutionary; Austrian; Stockholm School
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • P11 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Planning, Coordination, and Reform
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • P21 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Planning, Coordination, and Reform
    • P26 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Property Rights

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