Technological Retrogression: A Schumpeterian Interpretation of Modernization in Reverse

by Sylvi B. Endresen, Erik Reinert (Foreword by)

Overview

The aim of this book is to broaden our understanding of technological change by adopting the concept of technological retrogression. With reference to concrete cases of technological retrogression a new conceptual framework is developed. The book’s exposition aims at contrasting retrogressive economic dynamics of technological change to progressive dynamics as developed by Schumpeter. At one extreme in the dimension of technological change, capital-strong production units innovate their way out of the recession through technological progress, adopting more advanced production equipment that improves productivity. Following Schumpeterian progressive dynamics, virtuous spirals of growth result. At the other end we find the producers that resort to technological retrogression, which secures survival, but which result in low labour productivity, diminishing the possibility of capital accumulation and thus modernization that could form an escape from poverty. Vicious spirals of decline result, which is the book’s main object of analysis. The theory is, thus, a contribution to understanding the anatomy of recessions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781785277139
Publisher:	Anthem Press
Publication date:	06/08/2021
Series:	Anthem Other Canon Economics
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Sylvi B. Endresen was Associate Professor Emerita at the Department of Human Geography, University of Oslo. Her research is within economic and labour geography.

Table of Contents

List of Figures; Foreword by Erik S. Reinert; Acknowledgements; Preface: The Book within This Book; Introduction: The Concept of Technological Retrogression; 1. Challenging Linearity and Irreversibility; 2. Perspectives on Technological Heterogeneity; 3. Production Systems and Work Histories; 4. Empirical Evidence of Technological Retrogression: The Sri Lankan Case; 5. Empirical Evidence of Technological Retrogression: The Malaysian Case; 6. A Theory of Technological Retrogression; References; Index.