Criticisms of L. Robbins definition

1. The issues of human welfare are ignored: According to Prof. Boulding, Prof. L. Robbins discussed only the problem of scarcity. The problem of scarcity is applicable not only for individual but also for collective issues. Thus L. Robbins definition of economics has become incomplete.

2. The social issues have been ignored: L. Robbins in his definition has discussed individual’s problems of scarcity but has ignored the duals problems scarcity. He also ignored the scarcity problems of the state.

3. Wideness of his definition: L. Robbins has widened his definitions of economics. According to his definition the activities regarding humanity which have scarcity like affection, love are included in the definition of economics but as these activities have no exchange value so these cannot be included in the subject matter of economics.

4. Turned of economics as the theory of price determination: Robbins has turned of economics as merely the theory of price determination. According to Hicks and such other economists, economics cannot be confined to price determining theory. Thus L. Robbins definition is incomplete.

5. The issues of economic development are absent: At present, economic development issues are highly important which have been ignored in his definition.

6. The concept of exchange is quite absent: In the definition of L. Robbins, the role exchange has been avoided. According to economist Cairn Cross the goods and services only which have exchange value should be included in economics.

7. In one side his definition is very narrow; on the other side it is very large: The most important defect of the definition of L. Robbins is that it is very narrow in one consideration and on the other hand it is very much widened.

8. Economics has been converted to complex study: L. Robbins definition has turned of economics as a very complex study for seeking more scientific theories Robbins has made economics as not understandable to the general people.