The Economics Show The Economics of Parenting, with Emily Oster
May 27, 2024
Emily Oster, a renowned economist and author, discusses debunking parenting myths and making data-driven decisions. Topics include pregnancy advice, parenting challenges in the digital age, and the complexities of research funding. The conversation explores navigating the overwhelming world of parenting with evidence-based insights.
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Economists Decode Parenting Data
- Emily Oster applies her economics expertise mainly through understanding and analyzing the quality of data in parenting research.
- Her role is to clarify evidence for parents to better engage with health professionals and make informed decisions.
Correlation vs. Causation in Research
- Academic and official pregnancy advice often stems from research with flawed data, especially confusing correlation with causation.
- Recognizing these flaws is critical to interpreting parenting research correctly.
Parenting Choice is a 'Wild Problem'
- Deciding whether to have a child is a 'wild problem' lacking clear data guidance, mixing joy and hardship beyond measure.
- Data on happiness post-childbirth show declines, but children remain the greatest source of fulfillment for most.