| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics |
| Editors | Steven Durlauf, Lawrence E Blume |
| Publisher | Palgrave-Macmillan |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-0-333-78676-5 |
| State | Published - 2008 |
Abstract
Symmetry breaking creates asymmetric outcomes in the symmetric environment. It is the key concept for understanding self-organized pattern formations in natural sciences as well as in economics. We explain the logic of symmetry breaking and some methodological issues, and discuss applications to urban and regional economics, international economics, growth and development, economic fluctuations, and occupational choice.