When was Lionel Robbins born and where did he grow up?
Lionel Charles Robbins was born on the 22nd of November 1898 in Sipson west of London. He grew up in a family that belonged to the Strict Baptist church community.
Questions about Lionel Robbins
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What role did Lionel Robbins play during World War I?
Lionel Robbins joined the Royal Field Artillery as an officer from August 1916 until 1918. He was wounded by a sniper on the 12th of April 1917 during the Battle of the Lys and returned home with the rank of lieutenant after his recovery.
How did Lionel Robbins define economics in his 1932 book?
Robbins defined economics within An Essay on the Nature and Significance of Economic Science as the science which studies human behaviour as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses. This definition reached some general acceptance among economists after contention in the 1930s.
Why did Lionel Robbins clash with John Maynard Keynes in 1930?
Robbins refused to sign a draft economic policy by Keynes including tariffs because he wanted to submit a minority report instead. The group considered economic policy under Great Depression conditions but Keynes would not grant the request since Robbins stood alone in opposition.
What major government service did Lionel Robbins lead starting in 1941?
Robbins headed the Economic Section of the Central Economic Information Service as Director from September 1941. A points system devised in 1941 for rationing clothing footwear and household goods proved successful under his leadership alongside Peggy Joseph and James Meade.
When was Lionel Robbins created Baron Robbins of Clare Market and what honors did he receive later?
On the 16th of June 1959 he was created a life peer as Baron Robbins of Clare Market in Westminster. He received an Honorary Doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in 1967 and was appointed Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in the 1968 New Year Honours.