Wilfred Beckerman


Wilfred Beckerman was an English economist, professor, and author. Beckerman received his PhD from Trinity College, Cambridge in 1950, and served as a fellow and tutor of Balliol College from 1964 until his departure to University College London in 1969. Beckerman served at UCL until 1975, in which he returned to Balliol. Beckerman served as a tutor, and later an Emeritus Fellow at the college, until his death in 2020.
As well as serving in his capacity at the two universities, Beckerman also authored and edited numerous books, primarily focused on environmental economics, with a left-wing political stance.

Early life and education

Wilfred Beckerman was born 19 May 1925, in London to Moishe and Mathilda Beckerman, poor Jewish immigrants from Poland a Ukraine. He was the second youngest of six children.
At age 15, he dropped out of school to support the family, though he spent a term studying at the London School of Economics. At 18, he joined the Royal Navy; following World War II, he became eligible to receive free post-secondary education, eventually registering at Trinity College, Cambridge. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in 1950.

Career

Beckerman began his career lecturing at the University of Nottingham, though in 1952, he began working with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, eventually becoming head of division.
From 1964 to 1969, Beckerman was a fellow and tutor in economics at Balliol College, Oxford. For a short time in 1967, he also served as an economic advisor to President of the Board of Trade, Anthony Crosland. In 1969, Beckerman transferred to University College London, serving as a professor and head of the political economy department. During his tenure at UCL, Beckerman became an advisor for the initial Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. In 1975, he returned to his former position at Balliol College, where he remained until being named an Emeritus Fellow, a position he held until his death in 2020.

Personal life

In 1952, Beckerman married Nicole Ritter, who was raised Roman Catholic. The couple had three children: Stephen, Sophia, and Deborah. Ritter died from breast cancer in 1979.
In 1991, Beckerman married Joanna Pasek, becoming a step-father to her daughter, Agnieszka. The couple also had a daughter, Beatrice.
Beckerman died April 18, 2020.

Publications

As author

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As editor

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