Work

The Determinants of Economic Freedom: a Survey

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: A large literature has found positive associations between economic freedom and income, growth, and a variety of other desirable outcomes. This paper surveys the literature that seeks to explain the causes of economic freedom. Some of the most consistent findings in this literature are that current levels of economic freedom are strongly correlated with past levels; freer countries have more difficulty continuing to improve their economic freedom; democracy and political freedom are positively associated with economic freedom; and inequality is negatively related. We also survey scores of other variables that have positive and negative associations with levels and changes in economic freedom.

Source: Contemporary Economic Policy

DOI: 10.1111/coep.12471

Authors: Robert A. Lawson, Ryan Murphy, Benjamin Powell

Institutions: Southern Methodist University, Texas Tech University

Language: English

Topic: Corruption and Economic Development

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funder: John Templeton Foundation