In this statement, Gunnar Myrdal expresses his perception that he is often viewed as an outsider within the realm of traditional economics, a field commonly referred to as "Establishment economics." He humorously notes that when economists refer to him as a sociologist, it's typically not meant as a compliment. This implies that there is a clear distinction and sometimes tension between the disciplines of economics and sociology.
The deeper meaning of this quote lies in the complex relationship between different academic fields, particularly within social sciences where boundaries can be blurry yet contentious. Myrdal’s observation highlights how interdisciplinary work can sometimes be met with skepticism or even outright dismissal by those entrenched in a more traditional approach. This tension suggests that scholars who bridge disciplines may face challenges and prejudices from insiders of their original field. Moreover, it underscores the importance of recognizing valuable insights that emerge when different perspectives are brought together to address complex social issues.
Gunnar Myrdal was a Swedish economist and sociologist known for his work on economic development in less developed countries. He won the Nobel Prize in Economics alongside Friedrich Hayek in 1974, acknowledging his contributions to welfare economics and the analysis of race relations and other social problems. His interdisciplinary approach allowed him to make significant impacts across both economics and sociology, challenging the conventional boundaries between these fields.
