economic man

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economic man A term used in classical economic theory (see LAISSEZ-FAIRE ECONOMICS), denoting the individual's rational deployment of labour or resources in the marketplace, in systematic pursuit of his or her own self-interest. The term is intended to apply to both men and women but could be argued to reflect an implicit assumption of the primacy of male activity in the market. See also EXCHANGE THEORY; POLITICAL ECONOMY.

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economic man

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