Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to understand the role of comparative method, combining economic analysis, economic systems and economic ideology, in explaining why there is disagreement about economic policy in different societies today; assess critically economic policy proposals by differing economists and organisations; express arguments about economic policy issues with greater confidence and consistency.
Synopsis The aim of this subject is to develop a comparative method covering economic systems, economic analysis and economic ideology, which can be applied to explain why economists disagree about economic policy issues. Australia: enterprise bargaining, with or without centralised wage fixation; industry policy; the feasibility of labour-managed firms; privatisation of public enterprises; social welfare - voluntary charity, family, state; environmental sustainability and vegetarianism; what future economic system in Australia; Sweden: what is different about it and why has there been conflict about how to reform the system? Soviet Union and China: a comparative analysis of the Lange, Sik and Gorbachev models; why did the Gorbachev model fail?; what economic system is likely in Russia and Eastern Europe?; what relevance does Soviet experience have for China? Can China achieve a viable socialist system?
Assessment Written (two 2500-word essays): 100%