INSTITUTIONAL THEORY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMICS

Abstract

Theoretical bases of establishment and development of institutional theory as a new direction of economic science are analyzed. The preconditions for the emergence of institutionalism are studied, the fundamental differences between the new economic trend and classical economic theory are considered. The weakness of economic theories on the role and importance of the state in economic development is noted, the need to synthesize the strengths of institutionalism with neoclassicism to link the social attitudes and interests of individuals is emphasized.
The stages of development of institutional theory, different approaches of institutional scientists, the emergence of a new, modern direction – neo-institutionalism – are studied. Differences in the interpretation of the term “institution” between traditional institutionalists and neo-institutionalists are outlined, which indicates a different methodology of its perception. It is emphasized that the doctrine of the depth of nature of institutions and its interpretation divided institutionalism into old and new. If the old questioned the individualistic worldview inherent in the neoclassical paradigm, then the new institutionalists do not deny the individualistic approach. Economic institutions that operate within the social environment are the frameworks or constraints that govern the behavior of society in economic conditions.
Emphasis is placed on the prospects for further development of institutional theory, which allows the emergence and development of other theories, social sciences, reveals hitherto unexplored or little-studied phenomena and processes. In modern conditions, the economic difficulties faced by the world economy convincingly confirm the relevance of institutional theory, and the construction of an efficient economy is not limited to an approach based solely on the methodology of the classical school of economic theory. The contradictions posed by modern globalization are becoming a large-scale source of social, political, economic and even military challenges for less developed countries in relation to the more prosperous ones, and international institutionalization is the mechanism designed to alleviate instability.