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The Economics of Animal Farm

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  • William A. Hamlen

Abstract

This paper uses George Orwell's fictional story Animal Farm to make a comparison between Orwell's predictions and the Chinese experience with communism. An analogy is made between two characters from his novel, Napoleon the Boar, who attains power, and Boxer the horse, who does not. These are analogous to members and nonmembers of the Communist party, respectively. Readily available data by Griffen and Renwei (1988) are then used to compare the economic conditions of approximately 22,000 individuals. The empirical results strongly support many of Orwell's predictions. A theoretical predatory growth model that potentially explains the results is also introduced.

Suggested Citation

  • William A. Hamlen, 2000. "The Economics of Animal Farm," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 66(4), pages 942-956, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:66:y:2000:i:4:p:942-956
    DOI: 10.1002/j.2325-8012.2000.tb00304.x
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