What’s post-autistic economics?
by Benjamin on May 23, 2010
It finally happened a few weeks back. A fellow conference goer was skimming past my CV and stopped halfway down, uttering the words: “What’s the Post-Autistic Economic Review?? Did you make that up ?” … My newly found friend was a headline speaker at the conference, an economist, and now was the chance to say, no no no, let me tell you what post-autistic economics is about. And what did I do? I hesitated.
Potential career directions passed before my eyes; would he think it was silly, would I be branded a radical, or worse, would it be seen as passe? Around that point, or half a second later, my brain kicked in.I realised what an ass I was, for having this conversation with myself. Then I launched into an explanation of what post autistic economics meant (moving away from models that are separated from history, society and context), and why it mattered.
This is the first time, having a full time job as an economist, that I have been asked about that specific journal. Now I know what to respond, and I know not to hesitate. What makes it worse is that I have known the answer to that question for two years. I guess with age and career comes the silly idea that your opinion and ideals don’t matter. Don’t believe that. Don’t hesitate.
Why did we have a Post-Autistic journal? Because it is noticed. Because it has an underlying message. Yes, it is controversial and provocative, but that is why it always stimulates a conversation from the uninitiated about what post autistic economics is. It is perfect for students and academics who want to stand up and make people pay attention. It is not the American Economic Review, the World Bank Economic Review or a Real World Economic Review. It is Post-Autistic economics. (Mitra-Kahn 2008: 265)
If you want to see more about the post autistic economics movement, then have a look. All back issues of the journal, with contributions from nobel winners and students is available for free. The fact that they changed the name of the journal to a very uninspiring “Real World Economic Review” is a shame, but notice how the website is still post-autistic. I’m not the only hypocrite around, I just hope the change the name of the journal back to it’s proper Post Autistic Economic Review.
Tags: Post Autistic, Post Autistic Economic Review, Real World Economic Review
