Regulation school
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The Regulation School was a group of writers on history, in particular economic history. They were influenced by Marxism, and sought to present the emergence of new economic (and hence, social) forms in terms of tensions existing within old arrangements. Their ideas compose what is known as Regulation theory.
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[edit] Regimes of Accumulation and Modes of Regulation
Regulation theory discusses historical change using two central concepts: Regimes of Accumulation (ROA) and Modes of Regulation (MOR). ROAs are particular forms in which capital organises and expands for a period of time, exhibiting some degree of stability. A key example of an ROA from the work of the Regulation theorists is 'Fordism'.
MORs are those constructs of law, customs, forms of state, policy paradigms and other institutional practices which provide the context of the ROA's operation. Generally speaking, MORs support ROAs by providing a conducive and supportive environment. But sometimes, there is a tensions between the two, and this means that something must give. The change to and from Fordism is explained by the School in these terms.
This theoretical construct closely parallels Marx's characterisation of the historical change as driven by 'contradictions' between the forces and the relations of production (see Historical Materialism).
[edit] Members of the Regulation School
- David Harvey [1]
- Michel Aglietta [2]
- Alain Lipietz [3]
- Robert Boyer [4]
- Bob Jessop
[edit] External links
- An overview of the Regulation School
- A scholarly blog on the Regulation School in Economic Thought
- An interview in which Alain Lipietz gives a brief introduction to Regulation Theory
- Article on Lipietz's approach to Regulation Theory
- A page containing some notes on the Regulation School's approach to Fordism, as presented by A. Amin
- A selection of key works by Regulation School writers.
- Chapter 2 of this monograph explores the theoretical approach of the Regulation School.
- A Critique of the Fordism of the Regulation School - from Wildcat.
