description Arthur Lewis Overview
W. Arthur Lewis was a Saint Lucian-born British economist whose work helped shape modern development economics. He shared the 1979 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences with Theodore Schultz for research on economic development, particularly the problems of developing countries. His dual-sector model describes labor moving from a low-productivity subsistence sector into a higher-productivity modern sector as investment and industrial employment expand.
insights Ranking position
Arthur Lewis ranks #62 of 253 in the Economist ranking, behind James Mirrlees, ahead of Jan Tinbergen.
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What is the Lewis dual-sector model?
The Lewis model divides a developing economy into a low-productivity traditional sector and a higher-productivity modern sector. Development occurs as labor moves into modern industry, where profits can finance further capital accumulation and employment.
What is the Lewis turning point?
The turning point arrives when the traditional sector no longer supplies workers to modern industry without significant wage increases. After that point, labor scarcity gives workers greater bargaining power and changes the pattern of industrial growth.
Why did W. Arthur Lewis share the 1979 Nobel Prize?
Lewis shared the prize with Theodore Schultz for pioneering research on economic development, particularly the problems facing developing countries. Lewis was recognized for models of structural transformation, while Schultz emphasized human capital and agricultural development.
Why is W. Arthur Lewis historically significant beyond his economic model?
Lewis was born in Saint Lucia and became the first Black person to receive a Nobel Prize in a category other than peace. He also served as vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies.
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