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Pluralist Methodology for Development Economics: The Example of Moral Economy of Indian Labour Markets

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  • Wendy Olsen
  • University of Manchester

Abstract

This paper adds a moral angle to a pluralist approach to development economics. Normative assumptions can be found in all the five main schools of thought that have analysed India`s rural labour markets (neoclassical, new institutionalist, Marxist political economy, formalised political economy, and feminist). The theorisations that are used by each normative overtones. I define overtones and distinguish them from normative undertones (i.e. elements of meaning that have an affect component). Statistical regressions in this literature are used to illustrate the types of undertones that are present. The undertones tend to cause performative contradictions for authors who claim value neutrality.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Olsen & University of Manchester, 2006. "Pluralist Methodology for Development Economics: The Example of Moral Economy of Indian Labour Markets," Economics Series Working Papers GPRG-WPS-053, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:oxf:wpaper:gprg-wps-053
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    Cited by:

    1. Wendy Olsen, 2007. "Structure, Agency, and Strategy Among Tenants in India," Economics Series Working Papers GPRG-WPS-080, University of Oxford, Department of Economics.

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    JEL classification:

    • B5 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East

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