EP 296 Ashley Hodgson on Economic Mythology and System Change

114 snips

Apr 15, 2025

Ashley Hodgson, an economics professor at St. Olaf College and YouTuber, shares her fresh insights on economic mythology and its influence on society. She critiques conventional measures like GDP and explores the need for a paradigm shift toward real societal values. Discussion includes the impact of tech giants on privacy, the interplay of selfish and altruistic behaviors in economics, and the intricate dynamics of community morality. Hodgson advocates for new institutions to reflect our interconnected challenges while navigating the complexities of utopian ideals and conflict resolution.

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INSIGHT

Economic Mythology

Economic mythology isn't always false; it's a set of concepts and stories we use to understand our system.
Our current system needs a shift in how we think about economics, governance, and knowledge.

INSIGHT

The Bernays Era

The Bernays era marked a phase change in market capitalism, where consumers became programmable.
We are manipulated, not just in our values, but in our very identities, through constant subtle programming.

INSIGHT

GDP Growth Myths

GDP growth can be misleading as destructive activities, like increased diabetes rates, can boost GDP.
GDP tries to capture collective value, but the weighting is skewed towards decision-makers in large institutions, not rich individuals.

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