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Rent-Seeking in the Classroom and Textbooks: Where are we after 50 Years

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Listed:
  • Joshua C. Hall

    (West Virginia University)

  • Josh Matti

    (West Virginia University)

  • Yang Zhou

    (West Virginia University)

Abstract

In this paper we provide an overview of Tullock’s work on rent-seeking in the area of economics education. After summarizing the basic rent-seeking model in both a domestic and international context, we conduct an analysis of undergraduate and graduate texts in public economics. We find a majority of undergraduate texts cover rent-seeking in depth, but two texts provide zero coverage. No graduate textbook surveyed mentions rent-seeking. We conclude by summarizing the economic education literature on rent-seeking, which can be divided into either classroom experiments or popular culture examples.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua C. Hall & Josh Matti & Yang Zhou, 2018. "Rent-Seeking in the Classroom and Textbooks: Where are we after 50 Years," Working Papers 18-08, Department of Economics, West Virginia University.
    • Handle: RePEc:wvu:wpaper:18-08
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    File URL: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=econ_working-papers
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Aaron Pacitti & Michael Cauvel, 2023. "Rent-Seeking Behavior and Economic Justice: A Classroom Exercise," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 49(1), pages 88-103, January.
    2. David N. Laband & John P. Sophocleus, 2019. "Measuring rent-seeking," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 181(1), pages 49-69, October.
    3. Antonio Saravia & Clara Mengolini & Robi Ragan, 2021. "Socialist Indoctrination in School Textbooks: The Case of “Colección Bicentenario” in Venezuela," Journal of Private Enterprise, The Association of Private Enterprise Education, vol. 36(Spring 20), pages 79-104.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economics Education; Rent-Seeking;

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • B20 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - General
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior

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