PSL Quarterly Review (Apr 2012)

The neoclassical theory of growth and distribution

  • Robert M. Solow

DOI
https://doi.org/10.13133/2037-3643/9923
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 53, no. 215

Abstract

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The paper surveys the neoclassical theory of growth. As a preliminary, the meaning of the adjective "neoclassical" is discussed. The basic model is then sketched, and the conditions ensuring a stationary state are illustrated. The issue of the convergence to a stationary state (and that of the speed of convergence) is further considered. A discussion of "primary factors" opens the way to the "new" theory of growth, with endogenous technical progress. A number of extensions of the basic model are then recalled: two-sector and multi-sectoral models, overlapping generations models, the role of money in growth models. JEL Codes: O41, E25

Keywords