Edward H. Chamberlin (1899–1967)

This chapter proposes a synthesised view of the life and work of Edward Hastings Chamberlin (1899–1967), one of the leading figures in the development of industrial organisation at Harvard between the 1930s and 1950s. We provide biographical evidence which will help us to understand the source and context of Chamberlin’s main theory: monopolistic competition. In this regard, the debate with the so-called twin theory of imperfect competition will throw light on Chamberlin’s tendency to overdefend his originality. His groundbreaking contribution was of course the starting point of a whole new tradition at Harvard which included the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) or case studies. However, we will also see that Chamberlin’s work generated important controversies outside Harvard, the most notable one being with the Chicago School.