A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0017
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter highlights Ludwig Erhard's initiatives in the realization of the social market economy in West Germany. Even during the Korean crisis, Erhard pressed ahead with his support for the most ...
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This chapter highlights Ludwig Erhard's initiatives in the realization of the social market economy in West Germany. Even during the Korean crisis, Erhard pressed ahead with his support for the most rapid possible re-establishment of multilateral trade. The concept of state-protected competition was an indispensable component of the social-market system. The main economic function of the state employed by Erhard was to keep the ring for the competitive market, and ensure that nobody was shut out of it by price rings, monopolies, or unfair trading-practices. He made strenuous efforts in the implementation of the anti-cartel law. Mitbestimmung in the coal and steel industries had been granted to the trade unions by the Allied occupation authorities in the British zone before 1949. It involved the election of worker representatives on to the supervisory boards of large firms. The Social Democrats saw it as a form of workers' control or, more specifically, control by trade unions. Erhard continued to press for a free-trade policy within the EEC and for an agreement with the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), which the British had established as some sort of riposte to the Treaty of Rome.Less
This chapter highlights Ludwig Erhard's initiatives in the realization of the social market economy in West Germany. Even during the Korean crisis, Erhard pressed ahead with his support for the most rapid possible re-establishment of multilateral trade. The concept of state-protected competition was an indispensable component of the social-market system. The main economic function of the state employed by Erhard was to keep the ring for the competitive market, and ensure that nobody was shut out of it by price rings, monopolies, or unfair trading-practices. He made strenuous efforts in the implementation of the anti-cartel law. Mitbestimmung in the coal and steel industries had been granted to the trade unions by the Allied occupation authorities in the British zone before 1949. It involved the election of worker representatives on to the supervisory boards of large firms. The Social Democrats saw it as a form of workers' control or, more specifically, control by trade unions. Erhard continued to press for a free-trade policy within the EEC and for an agreement with the European Free Trade Area (EFTA), which the British had established as some sort of riposte to the Treaty of Rome.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0014
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter focuses on the political structure as well as political developments, and economic policies of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The Social Democrats reconsidered the fundamental ...
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This chapter focuses on the political structure as well as political developments, and economic policies of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The Social Democrats reconsidered the fundamental principles upon which their political movement was based, keeping in view the brutalities of the Third Reich and the similarities between dictatorships of a Fascist or a Communist complexion. Nazi repression also left its mark on the SPD, whether in exile or at home. Elementary objectives which Marxists had previously dismissed as self-evident or even secondary were given far greater importance because they affected only the ‘superstructure’ of society. Social Democrats gave central importance to ‘liberal’ objectives, namely, individual freedom from the fear of arrest, democratic rights to elect one's governors, and freedom of speech and assembly. Social Democratic economic policy was committed to implementing social market economy, considering the schemes of ownership, planning, controls, and fixed prices.Less
This chapter focuses on the political structure as well as political developments, and economic policies of the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The Social Democrats reconsidered the fundamental principles upon which their political movement was based, keeping in view the brutalities of the Third Reich and the similarities between dictatorships of a Fascist or a Communist complexion. Nazi repression also left its mark on the SPD, whether in exile or at home. Elementary objectives which Marxists had previously dismissed as self-evident or even secondary were given far greater importance because they affected only the ‘superstructure’ of society. Social Democrats gave central importance to ‘liberal’ objectives, namely, individual freedom from the fear of arrest, democratic rights to elect one's governors, and freedom of speech and assembly. Social Democratic economic policy was committed to implementing social market economy, considering the schemes of ownership, planning, controls, and fixed prices.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0015
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter focuses on the challenges faced by Erhard and the obstacles to his economic policies, due to the Korean crisis. During the period before the Korean war, Erhard persistently continued his ...
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This chapter focuses on the challenges faced by Erhard and the obstacles to his economic policies, due to the Korean crisis. During the period before the Korean war, Erhard persistently continued his efforts to reduce controls and to lower taxation, and was making steady efforts to be back in the competitive world trade. Two measures which were forced upon him in conflict with his free-market principles were, firstly, the levy on consumer-goods industries to provide capital for improvements in other sectors, and the decision to agree with US demands for allocation of raw materials to particularly ‘vital’ areas of the economy, but to leave this allocation in the hands of West German business associations.Less
This chapter focuses on the challenges faced by Erhard and the obstacles to his economic policies, due to the Korean crisis. During the period before the Korean war, Erhard persistently continued his efforts to reduce controls and to lower taxation, and was making steady efforts to be back in the competitive world trade. Two measures which were forced upon him in conflict with his free-market principles were, firstly, the levy on consumer-goods industries to provide capital for improvements in other sectors, and the decision to agree with US demands for allocation of raw materials to particularly ‘vital’ areas of the economy, but to leave this allocation in the hands of West German business associations.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This book goes behind the success story of the Federal Republic of Germany since the Second World War to examine the principles underpinning the so-called ‘economic miracle’. West Germany's Economics ...
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This book goes behind the success story of the Federal Republic of Germany since the Second World War to examine the principles underpinning the so-called ‘economic miracle’. West Germany's Economics Minister, Ludwig Erhard, maintained that his social market economy worked because it consisted of sound economic principles applied with common sense and consistency. It was a serious attempt to harness the dynamic forces of free-market competition while avoiding the damaging social problems created by unfettered laissez-faire. The book examines the intellectual origins and history of the concept of the social market economy, and its implementation in the difficult years of post-war devastation and recovery in West Germany. It traces the struggle of liberal economists to assert their ideas in the unfavourable circumstances from 1933 to 1948, when they triumphed with Erhard's implementation of a policy of liberalization following currency reform. The book analyses the extent to which West Germany's economic success was due to Erhard's policies, and assesses his attempts to attain the goals of the social market up to 1963, when he became Federal Chancellor. The social market economy remains the official policy of the Federal Republic today, and must face up to new challenges in the former German Democratic Republic.Less
This book goes behind the success story of the Federal Republic of Germany since the Second World War to examine the principles underpinning the so-called ‘economic miracle’. West Germany's Economics Minister, Ludwig Erhard, maintained that his social market economy worked because it consisted of sound economic principles applied with common sense and consistency. It was a serious attempt to harness the dynamic forces of free-market competition while avoiding the damaging social problems created by unfettered laissez-faire. The book examines the intellectual origins and history of the concept of the social market economy, and its implementation in the difficult years of post-war devastation and recovery in West Germany. It traces the struggle of liberal economists to assert their ideas in the unfavourable circumstances from 1933 to 1948, when they triumphed with Erhard's implementation of a policy of liberalization following currency reform. The book analyses the extent to which West Germany's economic success was due to Erhard's policies, and assesses his attempts to attain the goals of the social market up to 1963, when he became Federal Chancellor. The social market economy remains the official policy of the Federal Republic today, and must face up to new challenges in the former German Democratic Republic.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0019
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter provides a conclusion regarding various aspects and theories of social market economy implemented in West Germany after the Great Depression. Income generated by the market was not ...
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This chapter provides a conclusion regarding various aspects and theories of social market economy implemented in West Germany after the Great Depression. Income generated by the market was not necessarily distributed with social justice or with social conditions acceptable to civilized people. A state's budget redistributed income, and it was important to establish the proper principles of social justice upon which such taxation measures are based, always assuming they were in conformity with the market. The West German economy has been a tremendous advertisement for the blessings of market forces and competition. Even the most determined workers could not satisfy the needs of their fellow citizens effectively without a market-orientated economy. Even though protectionism and the price-fixing of German industrial practice were not abolished completely, they did lose respectability. Anti-cartel and anti-monopolistic policies were more weakly applied, but the propaganda campaign which accompanied them served to inculcate the idea of competition into the political culture of West Germany as something positive. The market worked in a semi-automatic fashion, and required ‘sensible management’ (sinnvolle Bedienung), since the organization of credit and money could not in practice be set up as a self-operating mechanism.Less
This chapter provides a conclusion regarding various aspects and theories of social market economy implemented in West Germany after the Great Depression. Income generated by the market was not necessarily distributed with social justice or with social conditions acceptable to civilized people. A state's budget redistributed income, and it was important to establish the proper principles of social justice upon which such taxation measures are based, always assuming they were in conformity with the market. The West German economy has been a tremendous advertisement for the blessings of market forces and competition. Even the most determined workers could not satisfy the needs of their fellow citizens effectively without a market-orientated economy. Even though protectionism and the price-fixing of German industrial practice were not abolished completely, they did lose respectability. Anti-cartel and anti-monopolistic policies were more weakly applied, but the propaganda campaign which accompanied them served to inculcate the idea of competition into the political culture of West Germany as something positive. The market worked in a semi-automatic fashion, and required ‘sensible management’ (sinnvolle Bedienung), since the organization of credit and money could not in practice be set up as a self-operating mechanism.
Rachel S. Turner
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780748632688
- eISBN:
- 9780748652792
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9780748632688.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter deals with the impact of neo-liberal ideas on national policy agendas in Germany, Britain, and the United States in the second half of the twentieth century. It looks at the attempts to ...
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This chapter deals with the impact of neo-liberal ideas on national policy agendas in Germany, Britain, and the United States in the second half of the twentieth century. It looks at the attempts to overcome interventionism and to place liberal ideology at the heart of new policy proposals. In Germany, the chapter details the nature of ordo-liberalism and the rise of the Social Market Economy in the 1950s; in Britain, it explores the grassroots opposition within the Conservative Party in the 1960s and 1970s and the origins of the New Right; and, in the United States, the chapter examines the impact of neoconservatism on economic policy measures. Its main contention is that neo-liberalism in the post-war years did not represent one single strand of thought, but rather a heterogeneous movement of ideas. All exhibit similarities and represent a variation on a common doctrine: a distrust of the state.Less
This chapter deals with the impact of neo-liberal ideas on national policy agendas in Germany, Britain, and the United States in the second half of the twentieth century. It looks at the attempts to overcome interventionism and to place liberal ideology at the heart of new policy proposals. In Germany, the chapter details the nature of ordo-liberalism and the rise of the Social Market Economy in the 1950s; in Britain, it explores the grassroots opposition within the Conservative Party in the 1960s and 1970s and the origins of the New Right; and, in the United States, the chapter examines the impact of neoconservatism on economic policy measures. Its main contention is that neo-liberalism in the post-war years did not represent one single strand of thought, but rather a heterogeneous movement of ideas. All exhibit similarities and represent a variation on a common doctrine: a distrust of the state.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0016
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter takes an account of the issues faced by the SPD in implementing economic reforms in the early 1950s. Reformers within the party were trying to reassess the fundamental values upon which ...
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This chapter takes an account of the issues faced by the SPD in implementing economic reforms in the early 1950s. Reformers within the party were trying to reassess the fundamental values upon which social democracy was based. Karl Schiller was in strong favour of liberalizing the Social Democratic attitude towards competition and the market mechanism. The democratization of economic life through co-determination, planning through the direction of investment, and the support for heavy industry emerged as relatively realistic demands. The struggles for industrial co-determination, from the Social Democratic viewpoint, had important ideological implications. Worker participation in profits and the extension of share-ownership amongst a broader spectrum of the population was directly related to the issue of co-determination. Defenders of the term ‘welfare state’ of the social market economy regarded the versions supported by socialists as incompatible with the maintenance of stable prices and sound money.Less
This chapter takes an account of the issues faced by the SPD in implementing economic reforms in the early 1950s. Reformers within the party were trying to reassess the fundamental values upon which social democracy was based. Karl Schiller was in strong favour of liberalizing the Social Democratic attitude towards competition and the market mechanism. The democratization of economic life through co-determination, planning through the direction of investment, and the support for heavy industry emerged as relatively realistic demands. The struggles for industrial co-determination, from the Social Democratic viewpoint, had important ideological implications. Worker participation in profits and the extension of share-ownership amongst a broader spectrum of the population was directly related to the issue of co-determination. Defenders of the term ‘welfare state’ of the social market economy regarded the versions supported by socialists as incompatible with the maintenance of stable prices and sound money.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter takes an account of the efforts to establish neo-liberalism in post-war Germany. Businessmen set up a branch of the old German Democratic Party in Munster and contacted Miiller-Armack to ...
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This chapter takes an account of the efforts to establish neo-liberalism in post-war Germany. Businessmen set up a branch of the old German Democratic Party in Munster and contacted Miiller-Armack to discuss efforts needed to stabilize the currency crisis. He stressed that without a free-price mechanism it was impossible to make rational decisions about the allocation of resources. Müller-Armack developed his concept of the social market economy and in May 1948, he presented a blueprint, outlining its objectives and the means by which it could be achieved. The collapsing system of government controls needed to be replaced by the free market. Consumer choice would have the power to establish real prices and encourage production. Social security should be achieved and workers needed to be given ‘social right to participate’ in the organization of their work (ein soziales Mitgestaltungsrecht), without, reducing managerial initiative and the responsibility of the employer. Monopolies needed to be resisted to prevent the abuse of economic power. The Wangeroog programme emphasized preventing the abuse of property and opposing monopolies, but specifically provided for market-regulation agreements, and claimed that a general ban on such agreements was ‘untenable for economic reasons’.Less
This chapter takes an account of the efforts to establish neo-liberalism in post-war Germany. Businessmen set up a branch of the old German Democratic Party in Munster and contacted Miiller-Armack to discuss efforts needed to stabilize the currency crisis. He stressed that without a free-price mechanism it was impossible to make rational decisions about the allocation of resources. Müller-Armack developed his concept of the social market economy and in May 1948, he presented a blueprint, outlining its objectives and the means by which it could be achieved. The collapsing system of government controls needed to be replaced by the free market. Consumer choice would have the power to establish real prices and encourage production. Social security should be achieved and workers needed to be given ‘social right to participate’ in the organization of their work (ein soziales Mitgestaltungsrecht), without, reducing managerial initiative and the responsibility of the employer. Monopolies needed to be resisted to prevent the abuse of economic power. The Wangeroog programme emphasized preventing the abuse of property and opposing monopolies, but specifically provided for market-regulation agreements, and claimed that a general ban on such agreements was ‘untenable for economic reasons’.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0013
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter focuses on Erhard's economic policies as economic director of the Bizone and his alliance with the CDU. Erhard considered that a party like the CDU would obviously give the freedom and ...
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This chapter focuses on Erhard's economic policies as economic director of the Bizone and his alliance with the CDU. Erhard considered that a party like the CDU would obviously give the freedom and worth of the individual personality high priority, and would also bring with it consequential requirements in the field of economic policy. The chapter also highlights the Ahlen Programme, a socio-economic statement influenced by Christian Socialist thinking including an apparent commitment to replace capitalist strivings for profit and power with devotion to the common good. The social market economy of Erhard is in sharp contrast to the so-called ‘free economy’ of the liberalistic variety. He was of the view that in order to prevent a relapse into the ‘free economy’, it is necessary to protect creative competition by independent control of monopolies.Less
This chapter focuses on Erhard's economic policies as economic director of the Bizone and his alliance with the CDU. Erhard considered that a party like the CDU would obviously give the freedom and worth of the individual personality high priority, and would also bring with it consequential requirements in the field of economic policy. The chapter also highlights the Ahlen Programme, a socio-economic statement influenced by Christian Socialist thinking including an apparent commitment to replace capitalist strivings for profit and power with devotion to the common good. The social market economy of Erhard is in sharp contrast to the so-called ‘free economy’ of the liberalistic variety. He was of the view that in order to prevent a relapse into the ‘free economy’, it is necessary to protect creative competition by independent control of monopolies.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This book discusses the concept of social market economy, ‘socialism with a human face’, a form of liberalized collectivism. It cites examples from former Communist countries, specifically, the case ...
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This book discusses the concept of social market economy, ‘socialism with a human face’, a form of liberalized collectivism. It cites examples from former Communist countries, specifically, the case of the social market economy in West and East Germany. It also highlights problems encountered with the introduction of free-market capitalism. The book elaborates various socio-economic theories and emphasizes that the issues of mass unemployment and working-class alienation are present even today as they were during the Great Depression. The concept of corporatism and its impact on Germany's economic society is also discussed.Less
This book discusses the concept of social market economy, ‘socialism with a human face’, a form of liberalized collectivism. It cites examples from former Communist countries, specifically, the case of the social market economy in West and East Germany. It also highlights problems encountered with the introduction of free-market capitalism. The book elaborates various socio-economic theories and emphasizes that the issues of mass unemployment and working-class alienation are present even today as they were during the Great Depression. The concept of corporatism and its impact on Germany's economic society is also discussed.
Grzegorz W. Kolodko
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231150699
- eISBN:
- 9780231521567
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231150699.003.0006
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This chapter talks about the concept of “neoliberalism,” which some authors erroneously identify with “classical mainstream economics,” and its relationship with the idea of “social market economy.” ...
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This chapter talks about the concept of “neoliberalism,” which some authors erroneously identify with “classical mainstream economics,” and its relationship with the idea of “social market economy.” The neoliberal trend in economics maintains the supremacy of the free market and private enterprise over the state and social policy, and will soon lead to neoliberal policies that limit the role of the state in the economy. Neoliberalism in itself is seen not as a utopia, but as an effective method of protecting group interests at the cost of the interests of others. The chapter explains how economic liberalization was incorrectly presented as identical to the shift to a market economy, and that it is the combination of government with the market that will continue to change the world. The key element here is the coexistence in time and space of globalization and neoliberalism.Less
This chapter talks about the concept of “neoliberalism,” which some authors erroneously identify with “classical mainstream economics,” and its relationship with the idea of “social market economy.” The neoliberal trend in economics maintains the supremacy of the free market and private enterprise over the state and social policy, and will soon lead to neoliberal policies that limit the role of the state in the economy. Neoliberalism in itself is seen not as a utopia, but as an effective method of protecting group interests at the cost of the interests of others. The chapter explains how economic liberalization was incorrectly presented as identical to the shift to a market economy, and that it is the combination of government with the market that will continue to change the world. The key element here is the coexistence in time and space of globalization and neoliberalism.
Peter C. Caldwell
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- March 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198833819
- eISBN:
- 9780191872198
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198833819.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History, Economic History
The social market economy was a first key term used in the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany, firstly to describe how a market economy (i.e. capitalism) could contribute to social order, ...
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The social market economy was a first key term used in the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany, firstly to describe how a market economy (i.e. capitalism) could contribute to social order, and secondly to suggest that the market alone could not preserve social order but required social supplements. The term was initially associated with the self-described neoliberals (now known as ordoliberals), and justified a return to the free market. Even within this group, however, there were differences about how a market economy could be “social” and what kinds of measures were necessary to make capitalism compatible with social order and democracy. Beyond this group, Social Democrats also adopted similar ideas at the same time. Despite the intentions of the most economically liberal of the ordoliberals, the idea of a social market economy came to include extensive state intervention to preserve social order.Less
The social market economy was a first key term used in the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany, firstly to describe how a market economy (i.e. capitalism) could contribute to social order, and secondly to suggest that the market alone could not preserve social order but required social supplements. The term was initially associated with the self-described neoliberals (now known as ordoliberals), and justified a return to the free market. Even within this group, however, there were differences about how a market economy could be “social” and what kinds of measures were necessary to make capitalism compatible with social order and democracy. Beyond this group, Social Democrats also adopted similar ideas at the same time. Despite the intentions of the most economically liberal of the ordoliberals, the idea of a social market economy came to include extensive state intervention to preserve social order.
A. J. Nicholls
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198208525
- eISBN:
- 9780191678059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198208525.003.0009
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter focuses on Ludwig Edward's contribution to the origin of the social market economy. Erhard was not in favour of the social aspects of the new economic liberalism, but liked the ...
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This chapter focuses on Ludwig Edward's contribution to the origin of the social market economy. Erhard was not in favour of the social aspects of the new economic liberalism, but liked the productive advantages of the market economy. The federal structure of Germany during the bizonal phase is highlighted here. Erhard's published a number of articles in the Neue Zeitung about his ideas. He blamed capitalism for betraying the basic principles of the market economy, ‘namely competition and price freedom’. As Economics Minister in Munich he faced many problems ranging from looting to demobilization, and also with developing Bavaria's export capacity. In the American zone, on the other hand, the Germans were able to exercise more self-government as the result of the creation of Land, or state, governments.Less
This chapter focuses on Ludwig Edward's contribution to the origin of the social market economy. Erhard was not in favour of the social aspects of the new economic liberalism, but liked the productive advantages of the market economy. The federal structure of Germany during the bizonal phase is highlighted here. Erhard's published a number of articles in the Neue Zeitung about his ideas. He blamed capitalism for betraying the basic principles of the market economy, ‘namely competition and price freedom’. As Economics Minister in Munich he faced many problems ranging from looting to demobilization, and also with developing Bavaria's export capacity. In the American zone, on the other hand, the Germans were able to exercise more self-government as the result of the creation of Land, or state, governments.
Martin Lodge
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197262955
- eISBN:
- 9780191734465
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197262955.003.0011
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
Competition policy has been said to lie at the heart of the German social market economy and to have been a key influence on the EC competition regime. This chapter assesses the impact of ...
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Competition policy has been said to lie at the heart of the German social market economy and to have been a key influence on the EC competition regime. This chapter assesses the impact of Europeanization on the competition law policy domain in the light of earlier claims that suggest a marginalization of the Federal Cartel Office. The question is pursued through three case studies that involve three different Europeanization dynamics: those of domestic assimilation of EU policy provisions, of informing policy change at the EU level, and of ‘collision’ between national and Commission policy preferences. The cases cover three distinct policy issues: the Europeanization of domestic competition law, attempts to shape changes to the EC regime's Regulation 17/62, and efforts of the DG Competition to prohibit the fixed-book price agreement between Austria and Germany. While those cases leading to domestic policy change suggest a considerable degree of national ‘resilience’, the example of ‘informing EC policy change’ points to the declining influence of the German approach vis-à-vis other national competition law experiences, Commission preferences, and changing competition policy ‘ideas’.Less
Competition policy has been said to lie at the heart of the German social market economy and to have been a key influence on the EC competition regime. This chapter assesses the impact of Europeanization on the competition law policy domain in the light of earlier claims that suggest a marginalization of the Federal Cartel Office. The question is pursued through three case studies that involve three different Europeanization dynamics: those of domestic assimilation of EU policy provisions, of informing policy change at the EU level, and of ‘collision’ between national and Commission policy preferences. The cases cover three distinct policy issues: the Europeanization of domestic competition law, attempts to shape changes to the EC regime's Regulation 17/62, and efforts of the DG Competition to prohibit the fixed-book price agreement between Austria and Germany. While those cases leading to domestic policy change suggest a considerable degree of national ‘resilience’, the example of ‘informing EC policy change’ points to the declining influence of the German approach vis-à-vis other national competition law experiences, Commission preferences, and changing competition policy ‘ideas’.
Noah Benezra Strote
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780300219050
- eISBN:
- 9780300228045
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300219050.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter explores how German elites molded a bare majority to support a “Christian” policy to respond to the dire economic situation still facing the country, under the leadership of the first ...
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This chapter explores how German elites molded a bare majority to support a “Christian” policy to respond to the dire economic situation still facing the country, under the leadership of the first post-Nazi chancellor, Konrad Adenauer. The first advocates of the “social market economy” argued that the policies underpinning it reflected “our Christian way of thinking”: principles ultimately rooted in Christian scripture. Their party affiliation was either the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) or the Christian Social Union (CSU), whose leaderships ran their campaigns in conjunction with each other and together formed a bloc (CDU/CSU) in national legislative bodies. The last time German politicians had attempted to forge an interconfessional “Christian” economic policy, Protestant liberals and Catholics had infamously failed in their charge. Twenty years later, however, the attempts met with more success.Less
This chapter explores how German elites molded a bare majority to support a “Christian” policy to respond to the dire economic situation still facing the country, under the leadership of the first post-Nazi chancellor, Konrad Adenauer. The first advocates of the “social market economy” argued that the policies underpinning it reflected “our Christian way of thinking”: principles ultimately rooted in Christian scripture. Their party affiliation was either the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) or the Christian Social Union (CSU), whose leaderships ran their campaigns in conjunction with each other and together formed a bloc (CDU/CSU) in national legislative bodies. The last time German politicians had attempted to forge an interconfessional “Christian” economic policy, Protestant liberals and Catholics had infamously failed in their charge. Twenty years later, however, the attempts met with more success.
Matthew A. Shadle
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- June 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780190660130
- eISBN:
- 9780190660161
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190660130.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Religious Studies
After the Second World War, Western Europeans had to rebuild their nations’ economies. This chapter describes the varieties of capitalism they adopted: social democratic, organicist, and social ...
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After the Second World War, Western Europeans had to rebuild their nations’ economies. This chapter describes the varieties of capitalism they adopted: social democratic, organicist, and social market. The chapter looks at how these economies differed in terms of property rights, government planning, labor relations, and social welfare. It illustrates a key insight of institutional economics: that there are a variety of capitalisms dependent on different institutional arrangements. The chapter also looks at important social changes, such as the increasing affluence of European society and the early stages of European integration. All these developments set the stage for postwar Catholic thinking about the economy.Less
After the Second World War, Western Europeans had to rebuild their nations’ economies. This chapter describes the varieties of capitalism they adopted: social democratic, organicist, and social market. The chapter looks at how these economies differed in terms of property rights, government planning, labor relations, and social welfare. It illustrates a key insight of institutional economics: that there are a variety of capitalisms dependent on different institutional arrangements. The chapter also looks at important social changes, such as the increasing affluence of European society and the early stages of European integration. All these developments set the stage for postwar Catholic thinking about the economy.
Harald Hagemann
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- July 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190676681
- eISBN:
- 9780190676711
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190676681.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics, Public and Welfare
The chapter deals with the development of the welfare state in the first three decades after World War II, in which the West German economy ran through a remarkable catching-up process. Economic ...
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The chapter deals with the development of the welfare state in the first three decades after World War II, in which the West German economy ran through a remarkable catching-up process. Economic policy in the new Federal Republic of Germany in that period was decisively shaped and influenced by the ordoliberal ideas of Walter Eucken and the Freiburg school and the principles of the social-market economy. Whereas Keynesianism of the Hicks-Samuelson neoclassical synthesis had already evolved into the dominant view in the academic sphere during the 1950s, it took until the 1966–67 recession for Keynesianism to find a late (and short) entry into German economic policy with the entry of the Social Democrats into government and their charismatic minister of economics, Karl Schiller.Less
The chapter deals with the development of the welfare state in the first three decades after World War II, in which the West German economy ran through a remarkable catching-up process. Economic policy in the new Federal Republic of Germany in that period was decisively shaped and influenced by the ordoliberal ideas of Walter Eucken and the Freiburg school and the principles of the social-market economy. Whereas Keynesianism of the Hicks-Samuelson neoclassical synthesis had already evolved into the dominant view in the academic sphere during the 1950s, it took until the 1966–67 recession for Keynesianism to find a late (and short) entry into German economic policy with the entry of the Social Democrats into government and their charismatic minister of economics, Karl Schiller.
Tom Malleson
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- April 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199330102
- eISBN:
- 9780199368266
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199330102.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory, Democratization
Last chapter the argument was made that market systems have substantial democratic potential. They have the potential to act like democratic voting machines and the potential to be shaped in very ...
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Last chapter the argument was made that market systems have substantial democratic potential. They have the potential to act like democratic voting machines and the potential to be shaped in very different ways to promote different kinds of businesses. This chapter aims to substantiate these claims by examining the empirical extent to which this potential has actually been realized in various places. The first section shows how various states have been able to improve the consumer democracy of their markets (democratizing the market system in terms of increasing citizen democracy is discussed next chapter). The second section shows the feasibility of shaping market systems differently so that democratic businesses can flourish. In this section we also consider the important concern that globalization may pose a threat to economic democracy.Less
Last chapter the argument was made that market systems have substantial democratic potential. They have the potential to act like democratic voting machines and the potential to be shaped in very different ways to promote different kinds of businesses. This chapter aims to substantiate these claims by examining the empirical extent to which this potential has actually been realized in various places. The first section shows how various states have been able to improve the consumer democracy of their markets (democratizing the market system in terms of increasing citizen democracy is discussed next chapter). The second section shows the feasibility of shaping market systems differently so that democratic businesses can flourish. In this section we also consider the important concern that globalization may pose a threat to economic democracy.
Kenneth Dyson
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198735915
- eISBN:
- 9780191799860
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198735915.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union, Political Economy
This chapter examines Hans Tietmeyer’s long engagement with EMU as a conviction Ordo-liberal, from the late 1960s to the launch of monetary union in 1999. In particular, it explores his intellectual ...
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This chapter examines Hans Tietmeyer’s long engagement with EMU as a conviction Ordo-liberal, from the late 1960s to the launch of monetary union in 1999. In particular, it explores his intellectual background and character; his efforts to adapt the design of EMU to Ordo-liberal principles; and the many controversies in which he was involved. The main focus is on a critical assessment of Tietmeyer’s contribution and his legacy to EMU and on the nature and role of Ordo-liberalism. How successful was he in identifying the foundations for a sustainable monetary union? The chapter is based on large-scale elite interview research.Less
This chapter examines Hans Tietmeyer’s long engagement with EMU as a conviction Ordo-liberal, from the late 1960s to the launch of monetary union in 1999. In particular, it explores his intellectual background and character; his efforts to adapt the design of EMU to Ordo-liberal principles; and the many controversies in which he was involved. The main focus is on a critical assessment of Tietmeyer’s contribution and his legacy to EMU and on the nature and role of Ordo-liberalism. How successful was he in identifying the foundations for a sustainable monetary union? The chapter is based on large-scale elite interview research.
Peter C. Caldwell
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- March 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198833819
- eISBN:
- 9780191872198
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198833819.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History, Economic History
This book investigates political thought under the conditions of the postwar welfare state, focusing on the Federal Republic of Germany (1949–89). It argues that the welfare state informed and ...
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This book investigates political thought under the conditions of the postwar welfare state, focusing on the Federal Republic of Germany (1949–89). It argues that the welfare state informed and altered basic questions of democracy as those institutions take on broader and more concrete forms after the 1950s. These questions were especially important for West Germany, given its recent experience with the collapse of capitalism, the disintegration of democracy, and National Socialist dictatorship after 1930. Three central issues emerged. First, the development of a nearly all-embracing set of social services and payments recast the problem of how social groups and interests related to the state, as state agencies and affected groups generated their own clientele, their own advocacy groups, and their own expert information. Second, the welfare state blurred the line between state and society that is constitutive of basic rights and the classic world of liberal freedom. Rights became claims on the state, and social groups became integral parts of state administration. Third, the welfare state potentially reshaped the individual citizen, who became wrapped up with mandatory social insurance systems, provisioning of money and services related to social needs, and the regulation of everyday life. This book describes how West German experts sought to make sense of this vast array of state programs, expenditures, and bureaucracies aimed at solving social problems. Coming from politics, economics, law, social policy, sociology, and philosophy, they sought to conceptualize their state, which was now social (one German word for the welfare state is indeed Sozialstaat), and their society, which was permeated by state policies.Less
This book investigates political thought under the conditions of the postwar welfare state, focusing on the Federal Republic of Germany (1949–89). It argues that the welfare state informed and altered basic questions of democracy as those institutions take on broader and more concrete forms after the 1950s. These questions were especially important for West Germany, given its recent experience with the collapse of capitalism, the disintegration of democracy, and National Socialist dictatorship after 1930. Three central issues emerged. First, the development of a nearly all-embracing set of social services and payments recast the problem of how social groups and interests related to the state, as state agencies and affected groups generated their own clientele, their own advocacy groups, and their own expert information. Second, the welfare state blurred the line between state and society that is constitutive of basic rights and the classic world of liberal freedom. Rights became claims on the state, and social groups became integral parts of state administration. Third, the welfare state potentially reshaped the individual citizen, who became wrapped up with mandatory social insurance systems, provisioning of money and services related to social needs, and the regulation of everyday life. This book describes how West German experts sought to make sense of this vast array of state programs, expenditures, and bureaucracies aimed at solving social problems. Coming from politics, economics, law, social policy, sociology, and philosophy, they sought to conceptualize their state, which was now social (one German word for the welfare state is indeed Sozialstaat), and their society, which was permeated by state policies.
