American Economic Association (AEA)

The American Economic Association (AEA) is a professional organization dedicated to the promotion of economic research and education, and the dissemination of economic knowledge.
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Updated on May 28, 2024
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3 key takeaways

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  • The AEA promotes economic research and education.
  • It publishes influential economic journals and organizes major conferences.
  • The AEA supports the development and dissemination of economic knowledge.

What is the American Economic Association (AEA)?

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The American Economic Association (AEA) is a professional organization founded in 1885 to advance the field of economics. It aims to promote economic research, facilitate the exchange of ideas among economists, and improve the understanding of economics through education. The AEA provides a platform for economists to share their research, collaborate, and contribute to the development of economic thought and policy.

Importance of the American Economic Association

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The AEA plays a critical role in the field of economics by fostering a community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to advancing economic knowledge. It supports the dissemination of cutting-edge research, provides educational resources, and promotes the application of economic principles to address real-world problems. The AEA’s activities help shape economic policy, inform public debate, and enhance the understanding of economic issues among professionals and the public.

How the American Economic Association works

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Publications: The AEA publishes several prestigious economic journals, including the American Economic Review (AER), the Journal of Economic Literature (JEL), and the Journal of Economic Perspectives (JEP). These journals feature high-quality research articles, reviews, and commentary on a wide range of economic topics.

Conferences: The AEA organizes annual meetings and conferences that bring together economists from around the world to present research, discuss ideas, and network. These events are significant forums for the exchange of knowledge and the advancement of economic science.

Membership: The AEA offers membership to individuals interested in economics, including academics, students, and professionals. Members receive access to the association’s publications, resources, and events.

Resources and initiatives: The AEA provides various resources, such as data repositories, teaching materials, and career services, to support economists in their research and professional development. It also engages in initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the economics profession.

Examples of American Economic Association activities

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  • Publications: The AEA’s flagship journal, the American Economic Review, is one of the most influential and widely cited journals in economics, publishing cutting-edge research across all areas of the discipline.
  • Annual meetings: The AEA’s annual meeting is a major event in the economics community, featuring hundreds of sessions on diverse topics, keynote addresses by leading economists, and opportunities for networking and professional development.
  • Education resources: The AEA provides a range of educational materials, including syllabi, classroom experiments, and online courses, to support economics educators and enhance the teaching of economics.

Real-world application

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Consider a university professor who conducts research on labor economics. By participating in the AEA’s annual meeting, the professor can present their findings, receive feedback from peers, and stay informed about the latest developments in the field. Additionally, by publishing their research in the American Economic Review, the professor can reach a broad audience of economists and policymakers, contributing to the discourse on labor market policies.

Understanding the role and activities of the American Economic Association is essential for anyone involved in the field of economics. The AEA provides valuable resources and opportunities for economists to advance their research, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the broader understanding of economic issues.

Related topics you might want to learn about include economic research methods, academic publishing in economics, and professional development in economics. These areas provide further insights into the tools and opportunities available for economists to enhance their work and careers.


Sources & references

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