
Mancur Olson
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Mancur Olson was an influential American economist and social scientist, best known for his work in the fields of public choice theory and collective action. His landmark book, "The Logic of Collective Action: Public Goods and the Theory of Groups," published in 1965, challenged conventional wisdom regarding how individuals act in groups and the difficulties they face in organizing for collective benefits. Olson argued that individuals often have little incentive to participate in group efforts when the benefits can be enjoyed by others without their contribution, a concept that reshaped the understanding of group dynamics in economics and political science.
Throughout his career, Olson's research extended beyond collective action to include aspects of economic growth, institutions, and social organization. His insights have had a profound impact on both theoretical frameworks and practical applications in economics and political behavior. As a professor at institutions like the University of Maryland, he influenced a generation of students and scholars, prompting them to think critically about the intersection of economics and collective human behavior.