FOUNDATIONS OF CONTEMPORARY ECONOMICS: JOHN ROGERS COMMONS AND INSTITUTIONAL ECONOMICS

Authors
  • Henrik Egbert

    Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Germany
    Author
  • Teodor Sedlarski

    Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
    Author
  • Aleksandar B. Todorov

    University of Economics – Varna
    Author
Abstract

John Rogers Commons (1862-1945) was a prominent representative of American institutionalism in the early decades of the 20th century. As a political economist and sociologist, he developed an institutional approach, defining institutions as collective actions which take place within given norms such as law, habits, and customs. Additionally, he introduced the transaction as the smallest unit of interaction in economic theory. Commons' studies of the labour market, the role of law, and his social policy work in legislation made him one of the most influential proponents of old institutional economics.

Cover Image
Published
2025-11-19
Section
Articles