Concentración Económica y “Rentismo” en el Pensamiento de Wilhelm Röpke

Abstract

This article focuses on the causes of concentration and "rentism" as distorting phenomena of the market economy, as well as the guidelines for limiting them, according to the ordoliberal economist W. Röpke (1899-1966). Likewise, some of the consequences of these phenomena are developed, in particular on the structure of the state, and on their impact on the distribution of income and wealth. In order to achieve the objectives, this paper is divided into five sections: the first dedicated to socio-economic concentration and its origin; the following, referred to the consequences of concentration on the structure and functioning of the state; then we will deal with fair competition and its degeneration; to develop further, the concept of "rentism" and its consequences on distribution; finally, on the requirements for reform proposed by Röpke, we will focus on the defence of competition and the type of state required for its application.