John Miller
Professor of Economics
Office: 007 Knapton
Phone: (508) 286-3667
Fax: (508) 286-3640
Email: jmiller@wheatoncollege.edu
Degrees
Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
B.A., Washington & Jefferson College
Main Interests
I have taught at Wheaton College since September 1979. During that time my research interests have varied. For several years I wrote about economic crisis theory and the effect of government taxing and spending policies on economic crises. I also did research on Marxism and Feminism and on women's unemployment patterns and how they differed from those of men. That research was inspired by Wheaton's efforts to integrate "the new research on women" into our curriculum. In the late 1980s I became interested in anti-speculation taxes and in particular the Land Gains Tax in place in Vermont. That project remains an interest of mine that I hope to return to when I clear my current research agenda.
Research Interests
My current research interests are focused on three areas. First, I am completing a book project: Which Way To Grow? Prosperty, Poverty, and Economic Crisis in Southeast Asia, which I am writing with James Goodno, an economic journalist. I began that project in 1996, the year I spent in Southeast Asia as a Fulbright Research Scholar.
In addition, as part of my research about the Southeast Asian economies I have taken an interest in the debate about sweatshops and poverty alleviation. Last year I taught a First Year Seminar entitled "Sweatshops and The Global Economy," and I recently published an article about my experience teaching that course.
Also, for over a decade I have been a contributing editor to Dollars & Sense Magazine, a popular economics magazine, based in Cambridge, MA. I edit articles, edit and contribute to a class reader entitled Real World Macro, and write about macroeconomics (e.g., the economic boom of the 1990s and the current threat of recession), tax and budget policies (most recently I have written several critical articles about the Bush tax cut), and globalization. I have listed several of those articles below.
Teaching Interests
My current course offerings include:
Economics 101: Introductory Macroeconomics
Economics 233: Sweatshops in the Global Economy
Economics 286: Macroeconomic Analysis
Economics 303: Public Finance
Economics 311: History of Economic Thought
Other Interests
In addition, to my teaching at Wheaton, academic research, and my work with Dollars & Sense magazine, I have been active in several political movements. During the 1980s I was part of the Providence, R.I -Niquinohomo, Nicaragua Sister City Project and worked in Nicaragua for two summers. I currently work with United For A Fair Economy (UFE), a Boston-based economic justice group. I have made several radio appearances and some televisions appearances on behalf of UFE, most recently discussing the Bush Tax Cut.
Another interest of mine is cycling, both recreational cycling and bicycles as an alternative means of urban transportation. I am a supporter of Bikes Not Bombs, a Boston-based group that works with inner-city youth refurbishing bicycles and then distributing then in Boston and in the developing world. I am also an active cyclists and an avid fan of bicycle racing. I have ridden several bicycle tours of New England. Recently my partner Ellen and I toured Tuscany, Italy by bicycle. We loved it.
Student Projects
Last academic year I directed James Jarrett's honor's thesis on Aids in Uganda. James did research in Uganda supported by a Davis Fellowship. His thesis drew on a multitude of sources ranging from his interviews with officials of Non Governmental Organizations, government data, and studies by economists and sociologists. His thesis included an econometric study of the effects of economic growth, world bank policies, and the presence of NGOs on the incidence of AIDS and the lifespan of HIV positive Ugandans. This year James is studying economic development in East Anglia, England.
Selected Publications, Creative Work or Performances
Books, Book Chapters, and Articles
Which Way To Grow? Poverty, Prosperity and Economic Crisis in Southeast Asia, with James Goodno. Zed Books, London (forthcoming).
"Teaching about Sweatshops and The Global Economy." Radical Teacher, forthcoming Fall 2001.
"Is Capitalism Working in Southeast Asia? Lessons From Second Generation NICs Malaysia and Thailand." Seminario Internacional: Desarrollo Economico y Politica Publica. Working Papers of the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Fall 1997.
"The U.S. Economy: Post-Prosperity Capitalism?" with Chris Tilly. Crossroads, July/August 1992, pp. 2-9.
"A Negative Social Wage and The Reproduction Crisis of the 1980s." In International Perspectives on Profitability and Accumulation (Edward Elgar Publishers) edited by F. Moseley & E. Wolff, 1991.
"Women's Unemployment Patterns in Post-War Business Cycles: Class Differences, The Gender Segregation of Work, and Deindustrialization.î" The Review of Radical Political Economics, Winter 1990, Vol. 22, No. 4.
"The Trouble with Capitalism and the Trouble with Crisis Theory: The Social Theory of James O'Connor." The Review of Radical Political Economics, Summer & Fall 1990, Vol. 22, No. 2&3.
"Social Wage or Social Profit? The Net Social Wage and The Welfare State." The Review of Radical Political Economics, Fall 1989, Vol. 21, No. 3.
"Military Spending and Economic Crises: A Comment on Gottheil and Riddell" The Journal of Post-Keynesian Economics, Winter 1987-88, Vol. X, No. 2.
"State Spending and Taxing Policies in the l980s: A Crisis of
Reproduction." The Imperiled Economy, Volume I, edited by Cherry et al. 1987.
"Crisis Theory and The Expansion of The State: An Illustration of The Nexus Between The State and The Accumulation of Capital." Research in Political Economy, Vol. 10 (l987).
"Interactive Computer Lessons For Introductory Economics: Guided Inquiry from Supply and Demand to Women in the Economy," with Gordon Weil. The Journal of Economic Education, Spring l986.
"The Fiscal Crisis of the State Reconsidered: Two Views of the State and the Accumulation of Capital in Post World War II United States." Review of Radical Political Economics, Spring l986, Vol. 18, No. 1 & 2.
"Marxist Political Economy and Feminism: A Response to MacKinnonís Attack on Socialist-Feminism." Signs, Autumn l984.
Classroom Readers
Real World Banking: A Money and Banking Reader from Dollars &
Sense, Edited with Marc Breslow et al. Published by Dollars & Sense Magazine, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2000.
Real World Macro: A Macroeconomics Reader From Dollars & Sense, 7th through 18th Edition. Edited with Marc Breslow et al. Published by Dollars & Sense Magazine, 1990 to 2001.
Selected Short Papers
"Sprawling capitalism. Urban Ecology Debates The Market, Government, and Urban Life: A Comment." Urban Ecologist, forthcoming Summer 2001.
"Still a Bad Idea: The Bush Tax Cut." Dollars & Sense, no. 234, March/April. 2001.
"So what's wrong with Reducing the Marriage Penalty." Dollars & Sense, no. 234, March/April. 2001.
"The Repeal of the Estate Tax: Dead Now But for How Long?" Dollars & Sense, no. 232, Nov./Dec.. 2000.
"Diet Coke and Dom Perignon,". Dollars & Sense, no. 232, Nov./Dec. 2000.
"Know-nothings and know-it-alls," with Jessica Collins. Dollars & Sense, no. 231, Sept./Oct.. 2000.
"The 1990s vs. the 1960s: The New Economy Sets Records for Longevity and
Inequality," Dollars & Sense, no. 229, May/June 2000.
"African Americans and Social Security: How The Heritage Foundation Got it Wrong." Dollars & Sense, no. 223, May/June 1999.
"Tax Reform Follies: A Preview of Coming Attractions," with Chuck Collins,
Dollars & Sense, no. 222, March/April 1999. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 17th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 2000. Also reprinted by Peace Net, Summer 1999.
"Learning from the Southeast Asian Crisis," Dollars & Sense, no. 220, Nov./ Dec. 1998.
"IMF Under Siege," Dollars & Sense, no. 218, July./August 1998.
"What's Going On in Asia?" Dollars & Sense, no. 215, Jan./Feb. 1998. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 15th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1998.
"More Wealth For the Wealthy: The Estate Tax Giveaway and What to Do About it." Dollars & Sense, no. 214, Nov./Dec. 1997. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 15th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1998. Syndicated by Alternet Distribution Service.
Portrait of a Well-To-Do Tax Avoider. Dollars & Sense, no. 213, Sept/Oct. 1997.
"Is the Boom and Bust Cycle Over?" Dollars & Sense, no. 211,
May/June 1997. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 15th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1998. Syndicated by Alternet Distribution Service.
"Tax Freedom Day: Many Unhappy Returns." Dollars & Sense, no. 210, March/April 1997. Reprinted in A Guide to Tax Reform published by Tax Network, 1997.
"A Maverick Wins the Nobel Prize." Dollars & Sense, no. 209,
Jan./Feb. 1997. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 15th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1998.
"Putting People First: Clintonomics and Post-Prosperity Capitalism." Dollars & Sense, no. 207, Sept./Oct. 1996. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 14th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1997. Syndicated by
Alternet Distribution Service.
"Revenge of the Classics: Rational Expectations wins The Nobel Prize," with Gina Neff. Dollars & Sense, no. 205, May/June 1996. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 14th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense 1997.
"Economic Upheaval in Peaceable Kingdom." Wheaton Alumnae Magazine, Winter, 1995.
"The Capital Gains Tax Giveaway." Dollars & Sense, no. 198,
March/April 1995. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 12th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1995.
"Which Way To Grow? Notes on Poverty and Prosperity in Southeast Asia." Dollars & Sense, no. 194, July/August 1994. Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 12th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1995.
"The Wrong Shade of Green: Orthodox economics puts profits before sustainability." Dollars & Sense, no. 185, April 1993. Reprinted in: Real World Micro, 3rd ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1994.
"Spring Cleaning at the FDIC: Banking Crisis redux." Dollars & Sense,
No. 183, January / February 1993. Reprinted in: Real World Macro,
10th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1993; Real World
Banking, 2nd edition, published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1992.
"Banned in the U.S.A.: Tax reforms the candidates won't talk about."
Dollars & Sense, No. 179, Sept. 1992. Reprinted in: Real World Macro,
10th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1993.
"Clinton's Economic Program: sweet words, sour plans." The Guardian, July 29 / Aug. 5 1992.
"Silent Depression: Economic Growth and Prosperity Part Company,"
Dollars & Sense, No. 175, April 1992. Reprinted in: Real World Macro,
9th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1992; Annual
Editions: Macroeconomics, 10th ed., Dushkin Publishing Group, 1992;
The Boston Phoenix, April 10, 1992. Syndicated by AlterNet Distribution
Service.
"Dem, GOP plans both favor rich -- and won't help the economy."
The Guardian, January 8, 1992.
"Unlocking the Safe-deposit Box." The Guardian, November 13, 1991.
"The Banks Come Tumbling Down: Deregulation won't halt their
collapse." Dollars & Sense, No. 170, October 1991. Reprinted in: Real
World Macro, 9th ed., published by Dollars & Sense, 1992; Real World
Banking published by Dollars & Sense, 1992; Annual Editions: Macroeconomics, 10th ed., Dushkin Publishing Group, 1992.
"Hard Times for Banks: Innovation, poor judgment, and deregulation
bring down the banks." Dollars & Sense, No. 169, September 1991.
Reprinted in: Real World Macro, 9th ed., published by the editors of
Dollars & Sense, 1992; Real World Banking published by the editors of
Dollars & Sense, 1992;
"Is Greed Healthy? Commentary on Sterner's Other People's Money."
1990-91 Humanities Booklet 1990-91, #8, published by The Trinity
Repertory Company, Humanities Program, May 1991.
"Much Ado About Nothing: Budget Debaters Let Rich Off Easy," with Jim
Goodno. Dollars & Sense, No. 161, November 1990. Reprinted in Real
World Macro, 8th ed., 9th ed., published by the editors of Dollars &
Sense, 1991, 1992; Readings in Introductory Macroeconomics, McGraw
Hill, edited by Peter McCelland, 1990;
"A Green GNP: Taking the Environment Into Account," Dollars & Sense,
No. 161, November 1990. Reprinted in Real World Macro, 8th ed.,
9th. ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1991, 1992.
"If You Like the S& L Crisis . . . You'll Love the Banking Crisis." Dollars
& Sense, No. 160, October 1990. Reprinted in Real World Macro, 8th ed.,
published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1991. Selected 10th best
"censored" news story of 1990 by Project Censored.
"Radical Economics," An Encyclopedia of the American Left edited by
Mari Jo Buhle, et al, 1990. Reprinted in the URPE Newsletter, Fall 1992.
"Soft Landing, Hard Times: The Fed brings the economy down." Dollars
& Sense, No. 151, Nov. 1989. Reprinted in Real World Macro, 7th ed.,
published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1990.
"Helping the Rich Help Themselves: Bush offers capital-gains tax
giveaway." Dollars & Sense, No. 147, June 1989. Reprinted in Real
World Macro, 7th ed., 8th ed., 9th., published by the editors of Dollars &
Sense, 1990, 1991, 1992; Taking Sides, 5th ed., 6th ed., Dushkin
Publishing Group, 1990, 1992.
"Review of The Great U-Turn by Bennett Harrison and Barry
Bluestone." Zeta Magazine, March 1989.
"Nicaragua's Other War: The Sandinistas tackle the economy," with Joe
Ricciardi. Dollars & Sense, No. 143, Jan./Feb. 1989. Recommended as
further reading by the editors of Challenge, November/December 1989.
"Does Manufacturing Matter? Can we afford to lose our industrial
base?" with Ramon Castellblanch. Dollars & Sense, No. 140, October 1988.
Reprinted in Real World Macro, 6th ed., 8th ed., published by the editors
of Dollars & Sense, 1988.
"Bitter Medicine: Another dose of budget austerity," Dollars & Sense,
No. 135, April 1988. Reprinted in Real World Macro, 5th ed., published
by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1988; Annual Editions: Macroeconomics
89/90, Dushkin Publishing Group, 1989.
"Review of Reagan, Thatcher, and the Politics of Decline by Joel
Krieger," Review of Radical Political Economics, Winter 1988, V. 20, No. 4.
"Alienation in the Work-A-Day World: Commentary on Mensch Meier."
1987-88 Humanities Booklet, #7, published by The Trinity Repertory
Company, Humanities Program, April 1988.
"Square Pegs For Round Holes: The truth behind the labor shortage,"
with Teresa Amott. Dollars & Sense, No. 134, March 1988. Reprinted in:
Readings in Introductory Macroeconomics, McGraw Hill, edited by
Peter McCelland, 1988; Real World Micro, 1st ed., published by the
editors of Dollars & Sense, 1989; Annual Editions 89/90: Economics,
Dushkin Publishing Group, 1989.
"The Profits of Doom: Crisis forecasts yield bad policies," with Vince
Valvano. Dollars & Sense, No. 130, Oct. 1987. Reprinted in: Real World
Macro, 5th ed., published by the editors of Dollars & Sense, 1988;
Readings in Introductory Macroeconomics, McGraw Hill, edited by
Peter McCelland, 1988; Annual Editions 88/89: Economics, Dushkin
Publishing Group, 1988. Read on the air: WBAI, public radio in New
York City, October, 1987.
"Balloons not Bullets: A Lesson Learned One Sunday Morning in Nicarague."
Wheaton Alumnae Magazine, Winter, 1988.
"Integrating The New Research on Women into Introductory
Economics: A Report and Annotated Bibliography." In Towards A
Balanced Curriculum edited by Spanier, Bloom, and Boroviak (l984).
"A Review of Underconsumption Theories by M. F. Bleaney." In The
Review of Radical Political Economics, Fall 1979, Vol. 11, No. 3.