Publications [#373365] of Kevin D. Hoover

Journal Articles

1. Hoover, KD; Svorenčík, A, Who Runs the AEA?, Journal of Economic Literature, vol. 61 no. 3 (September, 2023), pp. 1127-1171 [doi]
   (last updated on 2026/01/16)

   Abstract:
   The leadership structure of the American Economic Association is documented using a biographical database covering every officer and losing candidate for AEA offices from 1950 to 2019. The analysis focuses on institutional affiliations by education and employment. The structure is strongly hierarchical. A few institutions dominate the leadership, and their dominance has become markedly stronger over time. Broadly two types of explanations are explored: that institutional dominance is based on academic merit or that it is based on self-perpetuating privilege. Network effects that might explain the dynamic of increasing concentration are also investigated.