Gunnar Myrdal
Swedish economist known for work on economic development and racial issues.
Most quoted
"The American dilemma is the ever-raging conflict between the high-sounding general principles enunciated in the American Creed and the actual practices of discrimination."
— from An American Dilemma: The Negro Problem and Modern Democracy, 1944
"The 'soft state' is characterized by a general lack of social discipline, which manifests itself in various forms of corruption, inefficiency, and disregard for rules."
— from Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations, 1968
"The cumulative causation theory emphasizes that changes in one factor tend to induce changes in other factors, leading to a circular and self-reinforcing process."
— from Economic Theory and Underdeveloped Regions, 1957
All quotes by Gunnar Myrdal (102)
The social scientist cannot escape the responsibility of making value judgments, but he must make them explicit and subject them to critical scrutiny.
The concept of 'underdevelopment' is not merely an economic one; it encompasses social, political, and cultural dimensions.
The international community has a shared responsibility to address the problem of global poverty.
The American Creed, with its emphasis on equality and justice, provides a powerful moral imperative for social change.
The Negro problem is a moral problem, a problem of conscience for the American nation.
Economic development is not a spontaneous process; it requires deliberate policy interventions.
The welfare state is a continuous struggle to reconcile efficiency with equity.
The 'soft state' is a major impediment to economic development and social progress.
The social scientist must be aware of his own biases and strive for as much objectivity as possible, but complete objectivity is an illusion.
Poverty is not merely a lack of income; it is a deprivation of human capabilities and opportunities.
The American Creed is a living document, constantly being reinterpreted and redefined in the light of changing circumstances.
The Negro problem is a challenge to the very foundations of American democracy.
The cumulative process can lead to both virtuous and vicious circles, depending on the initial conditions and policy interventions.
The welfare state is a compromise between the ideals of socialism and the realities of capitalism.
The 'soft state' is a symptom of a deeper malaise in the political and social fabric of a nation.
The social scientist has a responsibility to speak truth to power, even if it is uncomfortable.
The fight against poverty requires a comprehensive and integrated approach, addressing all its dimensions.
The American Creed is a powerful force for social change, but it needs to be constantly reaffirmed and acted upon.
The Negro problem is a test of America's commitment to its own ideals.
Economic development is a complex and multifaceted process that cannot be reduced to a single formula.
Contemporaries of Gunnar Myrdal
Other Economicss born within 50 years of Gunnar Myrdal (1898–1987).