The performativity thesis and the interactions between economic theories and social reality

Authors

Abstract

Abstract

Originally proposed by philosopher of language John Austin, and later adapted by other social sciences, the performativity thesis has been known as a critique of the homo economicus of mainstream economics. The performativity of economics is the idea that economics gives birth to activities and markets in the economy (rather than merely describe or interpret them). This paper reviews arguments for and against performativity as a useful way of thinking about the economics-economy relationship. Following this survey, we put forward our interpretation, viz., an interactive approach to this subject. By doing so, we argue for its epistemological relevance for economic methodology, i.e., for understanding the relationship between theories and economic models and the events in the economy. Furthermore, we claim that because they are embedded in social reality, mainstream economic theories occupy a particularly resilient position.

Keywords: economic theory; social reality; performativity of economics

JEL Codes: A11, A14, B41

Author Biography

Celso Neris Jr., Departamento de Economia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araraquara, SP, Brazil.

Doutor em Teoria Econômica pela Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) em 2017. Atualmente, sou professor substituto no Depto. de Economia da UNESP. Leciono História do Pensamento Econômico e Teoria Macroeconômica. Atuo como pesquisador do Grupo de Estudos em Economia Industrial (GEEIN) da FCL/UNESP e do Laboratório de Estudos das Indústrias Aeroespaciais e de Defesa (LabA&D) da FCA/UNICAMP. Lido com temas relacionados à economia e filosofia, metodologia econômica, economia da inovação e organização industrial.

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Published

2021-12-07

How to Cite

NERIS JR., C.; FUCIDJI, J. R.; ALMEIDA, R. G. The performativity thesis and the interactions between economic theories and social reality. Nova Economia, [S. l.], v. 31, n. 2, p. 487–510, 2021. Disponível em: https://revistas.face.ufmg.br/index.php/novaeconomia/article/view/5837. Acesso em: 30 jun. 2024.

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2021): Revista Nova Economia

Section

Regular Issue

License

Copyright (c) 2021 José Ricardo, Celso Neris, Rafael Galvão Almeida

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