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Ayn Rand, Ludwig von Mises, and the self-help novel

Author

Listed:
  • David Maddy

    (ProCredit Holding)

  • Clara Mattei

    (Department of Economics, New School for Social Research)

Abstract

We offer an interpretative framework to analyze a recurrent phenomenon of capitalism: working classes oft e n a ppro ve of polici es that are detrimental to their material conditions. We focus on the mechanism of the diffusion of economic ideas from treatise to the domain of public opinion. The work of novelist Ayn Rand popularizes market­liberal, inequality-based economic doctrines present in the work of Ludwig von Mises. We argue that the economic justification of inequality was successfully transmitted through the mechanism of poverty shame that emerges out of Rand's influential Atlas Shrugged. Through its didactic narrative and abusive language the reader is powerfully taught that if they are not successful in the market society, the reason lies in their own personal deficiency and inferiority. This conception is internalized chiefly through the emotion of shame. Through the mechanism of "othering " class solidarity breaks down and social demands languish, thus the unequal status quo is preserved.

Suggested Citation

  • David Maddy & Clara Mattei, 2019. "Ayn Rand, Ludwig von Mises, and the self-help novel," Working Papers 1910, New School for Social Research, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:new:wpaper:1910
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    File URL: http://www.economicpolicyresearch.org/econ/2019/NSSR_WP_102019.pdf
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    Keywords

    Ayn Rand; Ludwig von Mises; Self-Help; American Conservative Movement; Poverty Shame;
    All these keywords.

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