Unveiling the Legacy: Stanley Friedlander, Economist at CCNY

Key Insights

Distinguished Academic Career: Stanley Friedlander was a long-serving Professor of Economics at The City College of New York (CCNY), eventually achieving Professor Emeritus status.
Influential Research: His research significantly contributed to understanding labor migration, economic growth (notably in Puerto Rico), and the determinants of fertility behavior, employing quantitative methods.
Institutional Engagement: Beyond teaching and research, Friedlander was actively involved at CCNY, including leadership roles like serving as a past president of the CCNY Business & Economics Alumni Society.

An Enduring Association with CCNY

Stanley L. Friedlander stands out as a significant figure in the history of the Economics Department at The City College of New York (CCNY), part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. His connection to the institution spanned decades, evolving from student to distinguished professor and influential researcher. His work left a mark on various fields within economics, characterized by a rigorous quantitative approach and a focus on real-world economic phenomena.

The entrance to Shepard Hall, a landmark building at The City College of New York.

Educational Foundations

Friedlander's deep ties to CCNY began early in his academic journey. He earned his Bachelor's degree from The City College of New York, laying the groundwork for his future career in economics. He further honed his analytical skills by pursuing doctoral studies, ultimately obtaining his PhD from the prestigious Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University (NYU). This strong foundation in both economics and mathematical sciences significantly shaped his subsequent research and teaching methodologies.

A Distinguished Career at City College

Professor and Mentor

Returning to his alma mater, Friedlander built a long and respected career as a Professor of Economics. His tenure was marked by dedication to teaching and mentoring students within the Economics and Business Department. His contributions were formally recognized when he was named Professor Emeritus, an honor bestowed upon retired faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional service and scholarship. His involvement extended beyond the classroom; he was noted as a faculty member in the history of CCNY's Center for the Arts & Culture (now CWE) and was mentioned by alumni, such as Lincoln Ajoku ('03), as a source of encouragement and support during their studies.

Signage for the Economics and Business department at CCNY.

Institutional Contributions

Professor Friedlander was actively engaged in the academic life of CCNY. He participated in organizing and contributing to academic conferences hosted by the Economics Department, serving as a contact person for paper submissions alongside colleagues like Professor Robert D. Leiter. Furthermore, his commitment to the CCNY community is evident through his leadership role as a past president of the CCNY Business & Economics Alumni Society, fostering connections between the department and its graduates.

Research Contributions and Scholarly Output

Stanley Friedlander's research portfolio reflects a keen interest in applied economics, often employing quantitative analysis to investigate complex socio-economic issues. His work spanned several key areas, contributing valuable insights to economic theory and policy discussions.

Key Research Areas

Friedlander's scholarly work prominently featured several interconnected themes:

Labor Migration and Economic Growth: One of his most significant contributions is the book "Labor Migration and Economic Growth: A Case Study of Puerto Rico," published by MIT Press. This study meticulously examined the economic consequences of emigration, particularly from densely populated or underdeveloped regions, using Puerto Rico as a detailed case study. It explored how migration could potentially alleviate population pressures and stimulate economic development.
Determinants of Fertility Behavior: Collaborating with Morris Silver, Friedlander co-authored the paper "A Quantitative Study of the Determinants of Fertility Behavior," published in the journal *Demography*. This research utilized statistical methods to analyze the economic and social factors influencing fertility rates, showcasing his expertise in applying quantitative techniques to demographic economics.
Managerial Economics: He also co-authored "Managerial Discretion and Profit Maximizing Behavior: Some Further Comments" with Morris Silver, published in the *Journal of Industrial Economics*, contributing to the discourse on firm behavior and industrial organization.
Resource Economics: Archival records also mention his work related to the "Economics of resources," suggesting an interest in the principles governing the allocation and management of natural and other resources, although specific publications on this topic are less detailed in the available sources.

A vintage postcard showcasing the distinctive Gothic architecture of the CCNY campus.

Synthesizing Friedlander's Academic Profile: A Visual Representation

To visualize the different facets of Professor Friedlander's academic contributions, the following chart illustrates the estimated relative emphasis placed on various aspects of his career based on available information. This includes his teaching role, specific research areas like migration and fertility studies, his application of quantitative methods, and his institutional leadership.

This chart provides a conceptual overview, highlighting the prominence of his research on labor migration and his strong grounding in quantitative methods, alongside significant contributions to teaching and institutional service at CCNY.

Key Publications Summary

Professor Friedlander's scholarly impact is reflected in his published works. The table below summarizes some of his key contributions mentioned in the records:

Title	Co-Author(s)	Publication Type	Publisher/Journal
Labor Migration and Economic Growth: A Case Study of Puerto Rico	N/A	Book	MIT Press
A Quantitative Study of the Determinants of Fertility Behavior	Morris Silver	Journal Article	Demography
Managerial Discretion and Profit Maximizing Behavior: Some Further Comments	Morris Silver	Journal Article	Journal of Industrial Economics
Economics of resources	N/A (details limited)	Academic Work (type unspecified)	Associated with CCNY (details limited)

These publications underscore his engagement with critical economic questions and his methodological rigor, contributing significantly to the fields of labor economics, demography, and industrial organization.

Mapping Stanley Friedlander's Profile

The mindmap below offers a structured overview of Stanley Friedlander's key attributes, connecting his education, career roles at CCNY, major research themes, significant publications, and overall legacy.

mindmap root["Stanley L. Friedlander
Economist at CCNY"] id1["Education"] id1a["Bachelor's Degree
The City College of New York (CCNY)"] id1b["PhD
Courant Institute (NYU)
Mathematical Sciences"] id2["Career at CCNY"] id2a["Professor of Economics"] id2b["Professor Emeritus"] id2c["Teaching & Mentorship"] id2d["Institutional Involvement
(Conferences, Centers)"] id2e["Leadership
Past President, CCNY Business &
Economics Alumni Society"] id3["Research Areas"] id3a["Labor Migration"] id3b["Economic Growth
(Puerto Rico Case Study)"] id3c["Fertility Behavior (Demographics)"] id3d["Managerial Economics"] id3e["Resource Economics"] id3f["Quantitative Methods"] id4["Key Publications"] id4a["Book:
Labor Migration and Economic Growth..."] id4b["Paper:
Quantitative Study... Fertility Behavior
(with M. Silver)"] id4c["Paper:
Managerial Discretion...
(with M. Silver)"] id5["Legacy"] id5a["Distinguished Academic at CCNY"] id5b["Contributions to Applied Economics"] id5c["Influence on Students & Alumni"] id5d["Passed Away 2014"]

This mindmap visually synthesizes the core elements of his professional life, highlighting the interconnectedness of his education, academic roles, research interests, and lasting impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What were Stanley Friedlander's main areas of research?

Professor Friedlander's research primarily focused on applied economics, with significant contributions in the areas of labor migration and its impact on economic growth (notably studying Puerto Rico), the economic and social determinants of fertility behavior, managerial economics, and potentially resource economics. He often employed quantitative methods in his analyses.

What was Stanley Friedlander's academic position at CCNY?

Stanley Friedlander served as a Professor of Economics in the Economics and Business Department at The City College of New York (CCNY). After a long and distinguished career, he was honored with the title of Professor Emeritus.

Where did Stanley Friedlander receive his education?

He earned his Bachelor's degree from The City College of New York (CCNY). He later completed his PhD at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University (NYU).

Was Stanley Friedlander involved in CCNY alumni activities?

Yes, Stanley Friedlander was actively involved with the CCNY community beyond his faculty role. Notably, he served as a past president of the CCNY Business & Economics Alumni Society, indicating significant engagement with the institution's alumni network.