GUNNAR MYRDAL

Background Information
● Karl Gunnar Myrdal was born December 6, 1898, Gustafs, Dalarna, Sweden and died on
May 17, 1987, Stockholm.
● He was a Swedish economist and sociologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize for
Economics in 1974 (the cowinner was Friedrich A. Hayek).
● He was regarded as a major theorist of international relations and developmental
economics.
● Myrdal was educated at Stockholm University, where he earned a law degree in 1923
and a doctorate in economics in 1927.
● He married Alva Reimer in 1924. After receiving a Rockefeller traveling fellowship in the
United States (1929–30), Myrdal became an associate professor at the Institute of
International Studies in Geneva (1930–31).
● He also was professor of political economy (1933–50) and of international economy
(1960–67) at Stockholm University; in 1967 he became professor emeritus.

Contributions
1. "An American Dilemma": Myrdal's most influential work is the book "An American
Dilemma: The Negro Problem and Modern Democracy" (1944). In this comprehensive
study, he examined the social, economic, and political conditions of African Americans in
the United States and exposed the systemic racial inequalities and discrimination
prevalent in American society. The book had a profound impact on shaping public
opinion and policies related to civil rights.
2. Development Economics: Myrdal was a pioneer in the field of development
economics. He emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to development,
considering economic, social, and political factors. His work challenged simplistic
theories that focused solely on economic growth and advocated for policies that
addressed poverty, inequality, and social justice.
3. "Asian Drama": Myrdal's book "Asian Drama: An Inquiry into the Poverty of Nations"
(1968) is another significant contribution. In this massive study, he analyzed the
development challenges faced by several Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and
Indonesia. Myrdal highlighted the structural obstacles to development and called for
comprehensive strategies to address poverty and inequality in these nations.
4. Welfare Economics: Myrdal made important contributions to welfare economics,
particularly in the context of social planning and the role of government. He explored the
concept of "circular cumulative causation," which suggests that policies and
interventions can generate self-reinforcing cycles of development or underdevelopment.
5. Political and Policy Engagements: Myrdal was actively involved in political and policy
matters. He served as a minister in the Swedish government, participated in international
organizations such as the United Nations, and played a key role in shaping Swedish
social democratic policies.

Critiques
1. Oversimplification of Complex Issues
2. Lack of Attention to Cultural Factors
3. Policy Prescriptions.
4. Economic Planning
5. Limited Attention to Market Mechanisms
6. Incomplete Treatment of Race and Discrimination