Title: Institutionalism and psychoanalysis: a basis for interdisciplinary cooperation

Authors: Arturo Hermann

Addresses: Institute for Studies and Economic Analyses (ISAE), Piazza dell'Indipendenza 4, Rome, 00185, Italy

Abstract: In this paper, we outline a number of features of an interdisciplinary and pluralistic approach to economics. As a suitable example of how an interdisciplinary cooperation can unfold, we focus attention on the relations between institutional economics and psychoanalysis. In the first part of the paper, we outline the main concepts of institutional economics, with particular attention to Veblen|s and Commons| contributions. Then, we consider the main aspects of the psychoanalytic approach and its potential for the interpretation of economic and social phenomena. Finally, we analyse how this pluralistic and interdisciplinary perspective can help devise policies more centred on the experiences and needs of all the subjects involved.

Keywords: institutional economics; psychoanalysis; pluralism; participation; political economy; institutionalism.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2010.037977

International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education, 2010 Vol.1 No.4, pp.372 - 387

Published online: 07 Jan 2011 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article