Freakonomics Radio 426. Should America (and FIFA) Pay Reparations?
Jul 16, 2020
Economists Stefan Shemansky and Derek Hamilton, along with historian Richard Rothstein, delve into the pressing topic of the racial wealth gap in America. They discuss historical injustices and how systemic discrimination, including government-sponsored segregation, has contributed to current disparities. The conversation touches on the need for reparations and examines the legacy of inequities in sports, notably FIFA's treatment of women's soccer. They advocate for nuanced solutions to address these deep-rooted challenges.
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Dick Kerr Ladies
- In 1920, the Dick Kerr Ladies soccer team attracted over 50,000 fans to a game at Goodison Park.
- This achievement threatened men's teams, leading to a ban on women's soccer.
The Ban
- The FA banned women's soccer in 1921, claiming it was "quite unsuitable for females".
- This ban, supported by FIFA, stifled women's soccer globally for 50 years.
Counterfactual
- Stefan Szymanski believes that without the ban, women's soccer would be as popular as women's tennis.
- He argues the ban stunted its growth and commercial potential.
