The Making Of An Economist

This book focuses on the graduate education of a small group of economists—those at elite schools. It is intended for three audiences: aspiring economists, economists, and the lay public. The book reports conversations with MIT, Harvard, Chicago, and Columbia students.

Arjo Klamer, David Colander

Preface -- Introduction -- The Nature of the Economics Profession -- The Making of an Economist -- Reciting the Kama Sutra Under a Fig Tree: Further Results from the Survey -- Conversations with Graduate Students -- Ambivalence and Security: MIT Students -- Diversity and Skepticism: Harvard Students -- Eclecticism and Concern: Columbia Students -- Commitment and Loyalty: Chicago Students -- Interpretations -- A Case of Mistaken Identities -- Workmanship, Incentives, and Cynicism1