Instituições e Desenvolvimento Econômico - Uma Análise Crítica das Idéias de Douglass North

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate  in what extent the “new institutionalism” could be classified as a neoclassic theory focusing especifically the analysis of Douglass North. The institutional model of this author insofar emphasizes the importance of institutions and historical processes in economic development’s analysis and introduces concepts as limited racionality, imperfect markets and increasing returns apparently approximates it to more heterodox theories. It seems important therefore to understand clearly if Douglass North’s theory derives from the neoclassical paradigm -, mainly because the obvious policies implications of this approach - or can be related to the heterodox economics models. The general conclusion is that the institutional model of Douglass North is neoclassic because it holds all basic hypothesis of this school.