Robert Lekachman

Robert Lekachman was an influential American economist and prominent public intellectual known for his staunch advocacy of Keynesian economics and his witty, accessible critiques of conservative economic policies. A longtime professor at Lehman College of the City University of New York, he was a prolific author whose works, such as The Age of Keynes, brought complex economic ideas to a broad audience. Lekachman's career was defined by his commitment to using economic analysis to advocate for full employment, income redistribution, and a robust welfare state.

Early life and education

Born in 1920 in New York City, he was the son of immigrants from the Russian Empire. He demonstrated academic prowess early, attending the prestigious Stuyvesant High School before enrolling at Columbia University for his undergraduate studies. After earning his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia, he pursued a Master of Arts in history at Harvard University. His education was interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War II, after which he returned to Columbia University to complete his Doctor of Philosophy in economics, solidifying the academic foundation for his future career.

Career

His academic career began with teaching positions at Barnard College and Columbia University. In 1965, he joined the faculty of Lehman College, part of the City University of New York system, where he spent the remainder of his teaching career and served as chair of the economics department. Beyond academia, he was a frequent commentator in the public sphere, writing columns for publications like The New Leader and The New York Times. He also served as a consultant to various government bodies, including the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, and was a vocal participant in policy debates through organizations like the Americans for Democratic Action.

Economic views and contributions

A dedicated follower of John Maynard Keynes, he argued vigorously for active fiscal and monetary policy to manage aggregate demand and achieve full employment. He was highly critical of monetarism associated with Milton Friedman and the supply-side economics promoted during the Reagan administration, viewing them as ideologies that increased inequality. His contributions lay in translating technical economic debates into compelling social criticism, emphasizing that economic choices were fundamentally moral and political. He championed policies like a guaranteed minimum income, expanded Social Security, and greater public investment, positioning himself as a leading intellectual voice for American liberalism and the New Deal tradition.

Published works

He authored and edited numerous books aimed at both academic and general readers. His major works include A History of Economic Ideas (1959), which surveyed economic thought, and his acclaimed The Age of Keynes (1966), a clear exposition of Keynesian theory and its impact. Later, he wrote pointed critiques of contemporary policy, such as Economists at Bay (1976) and Greed is Not Enough: Reaganomics (1982). Other notable titles include The Great Depression of the 1990s (1988), Capitalism for Beginners (1981), and Visions and Nightmares: America After Reagan (1987), all characterized by their engaging prose and polemical vigor.

Personal life and legacy

He was married to fellow economist Carolyn Shaw Bell, a noted professor at Wellesley College. Known for his sharp wit, formidable debating skills, and commitment to progressive causes, he remained a fixture in left-leaning intellectual circles until his death in 1989 in New York City. His legacy endures as that of a masterful economic communicator who tirelessly argued that economics should serve democratic social goals, influencing later generations of heterodox economists and policy advocates who continue to challenge neoclassical economics and champion egalitarian policies.

Category:American economists Category:Keynesian economists Category:City University of New York faculty Category:1920 births Category:1989 deaths