Freakonomics Radio How Much Does Your Name Matter? (Rebroadcast )
Aug 8, 2019
In this discussion, Latanya Sweeney, a Harvard professor specializing in algorithmic bias, and Eric Oliver, a University of Chicago political scientist, delve into how names shape personal and societal identities. They explore quirky naming choices and their surprising effects on life outcomes, economic prospects, and perceptions in society. The pair highlights alarming biases in advertising linked to racial names and how these biases impact hiring practices. The conversation reveals the profound interplay between names, identity, and social implications.
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Unconventional Names
- Dalton Conley named his children E and Yo as an experiment.
- Yo's full name, including additions, is exceptionally long, stemming from the Y chromosome and playing on ethnic stereotypes.
Names and Identity
- Conley believes names influence identity, though separating nature from nurture is difficult.
- Both E and Yo appreciate their unique names, finding them positive overall.
Growing Up Conley
- E and Yo find having a sociologist dad insightful, but also involves being experimented on.
- Yo receives online criticism for his name, but he finds it humorous.