Consensus and Dissension Among Economists on the Economics, the Government and the Market: the Case of Turkey

This study examines the degree of consensus among Turkish economists on basic assumptions and methods of economics, the relative role of the government and the market, and contemporary economic policies. The data used in the study were collected through survey implemented to academic economists employed in Turkish universities. The study is the first survey of economics, economic and economic and finance academics in Turkey. The results reveal that Turkish economists have some degree of consensus in most of the propositions on the basic precepts and methodology of mainstream economics. The direction of consensus implies a critical position on the approach and method of mainstream economics. There is no consensus in most of the propositions regarding the market-government relationship. Average weighted opinions are not only in the favor of redistribution, but also in support of the private sector in the economy and competitiveness. In comparison with previous studies based on samples from developed nations, Turkish economists seem to be more supportive of government intervention and redistribution.