Freakonomics Radio How to Pave the Road to Hell
40 snips
Apr 18, 2024 
In this discussion, Joshua Angrist, a Nobel laureate from MIT, Zoe Cullen from Harvard focusing on labor economics, and Marina Gertsberg of the University of Melbourne explore the often overlooked consequences of well-meaning policies. They delve into how good intentions can inadvertently harm those they aim to help, examining pay transparency laws and their paradoxical effects on wages. The impact of the #MeToo movement on academic collaborations is also highlighted, showcasing how it has inadvertently affected women's professional relationships and research opportunities.
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Social Policy Challenges
- Social policy is difficult to design effectively due to the challenge of predicting outcomes and political complexities.
- Unintended consequences arise when targeted groups react in unforeseen ways, potentially causing policies to backfire.
ADA's Unintended Consequences
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aimed to protect disabled workers but may have unintentionally reduced their employment rates.
- Employers, fearing accommodation costs and litigation, might avoid hiring disabled workers, counteracting the law's intent.
Salary Negotiation Anecdote
- Josh Angrist's initial MIT salary was significantly lower than his peers until he negotiated a raise after his advisor pointed out the disparity.
- This highlights how information asymmetry in salary negotiations can disadvantage employees.