American Economic Association (AEA)

What is the American Economic Association (AEA)?

The American Economic Association (AEA) is a professional association composed predominantly of economists who work within academia. Established in 1885, the AEA is committed to the advancement of economic knowledge through research and a broad range of professional activities. It aims to promote economic scholarship, enhance professional development within the field, and disseminate economic research and insights to the wider public.

Objectives and Activities

1. Promoting Economic Research: The AEA publishes several highly-regarded journals including the American Economic Review, the Journal of Economic Literature, and the Journal of Economic Perspectives.
2. Conferences and Meetings: One of the key activities of the AEA is organizing annual meetings which bring together economists from around the world to discuss recent findings, trends, and challenges in the field of economics.
3. Professional Development: The organization supports the professional development of economists through seminars, webinars, workshops, and career resources.
4. Publications: The AEA produces a variety of publications that contribute to economic research, policy-making, and education at both national and international levels.

Examples of the AEA’s Influence

1. Economic Journals: Publications such as the American Economic Review play a pivotal role in disseminating groundbreaking economic research.
2. Annual Meetings: The AEA’s annual meeting, often held in conjunction with the Allied Social Science Associations (ASSA), is one of the largest gatherings of economists, providing a platform for extensive academic discussions.
3. Economic Policy Impact: Research published by AEA members frequently influences public policy and economic thinking worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who can become a member of the AEA? A1: Membership is open to anyone interested in economics, including academicians, practitioners, and students.

Q2: What are some benefits of joining the AEA? A2: Membership benefits include access to leading academic journals, discounts on conference fees, professional development resources, and networking opportunities with other economists.

Q3: How does one submit a paper to an AEA journal? A3: Papers can be submitted through the respective journal’s online submission system. Each journal has specific guidelines and a peer-review process.

Q4: Are AEA meetings open to the public? A4: AEA meetings typically require registration, but they are generally open to anyone with an interest in economic discussions and research.

Q5: What is the purpose of AEA’s annual meetings? A5: The annual meetings facilitate the sharing of research findings, trends, and ideas among economists and serve as a forum for academic and professional networking.

Related Terms

• Economic Research: The systematic study of economies or economic phenomena.
• Peer-Review: A process in which academic papers are evaluated by experts in the field before publication.
• Journal of Economic Literature: One of the AEA’s publications focusing on summarizing and evaluating economic research.

Online References

• American Economic Association (Official Site)
• Journal of Economic Literature
• American Economic Review

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. Economic Analysis of Public Policy by William K. Bellinger
2. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
3. Modern Principles of Economics by Tyler Cowen and Alex Tabarrok

Fundamentals of the American Economic Association: Economics Basics Quiz

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