Myrdal’s Theory of Cumulative Causation

Gunnar Myrdal (1898–1987) was a Swedish economist and Nobel laureate best known for his study of race relations in the United States during the 20th century. Myrdal’s ideas helped pave the way for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregation in public schools was a violation of the Constitution. Myrdal is also well known for his study of underdeveloped nations, the Asian economies, and population demographics in Sweden. Myrdal served as secretary general of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe from 1947 to 1957, while examining the dynamics of world poverty. A New York Times article published on the day of Myrdal’s death referred to him as one of the most important ...