Planning Vs. Markets Is An Oxymoron

The new issue of the electronic journal asks why Planning Vs. Markets is an Oxymoron, and argues that we must ask the right question.

1 minute read

August 19, 2001, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Planning vs. markets is a fallacy, based on obsolete economics. Comparing their merits is the wrong question: in theory and reality it is impossible to separate them. Transaction cost theory shows the error of the link between planning and 'public' that is behind the 'planning/market' dichotomy: there is also planning in, for, and of markets. The right question is: What governance is appropriate, from hierarchical organization and its associated planning, through various forms of modified markets, to the rare 'perfect' market that has no planning and needs none. Analysis of some Planning & Markets papers shows how this approach could improve them.

Thanks to Planning & Markets Editor

Friday, August 17, 2001 in Planning and Markets

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