Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Is giving people a sense of agency better than giving them cash? (with Richard Sedlmayr)
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Mar 8, 2023 Richard Sedlmayr, with a PhD in Public Policy from Oxford, works at the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund and The Agency Fund, focusing on pro-poor development. He delves into whether fostering agency can surpass traditional aid methods like cash transfers. Their discussion also touches on how socioeconomic factors influence decision-making and the impact of timing in life choices. They address the replication crisis in social science and the need for adaptive, evidence-based approaches to interventions, pushing for a balance between measurable outcomes and meaningful social change.
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Complexity of Economic Interventions
- Evaluating economic interventions is complex due to individual circumstances.
- Unlike mosquito nets, economic choices are personal and context-dependent.
Information's Impact on Education
- Rob Jensen's study in the Dominican Republic showed information's impact.
- Informing students about returns to schooling significantly reduced dropout rates.
Inspiration and Education
- Emma Riley showed 'Queen of Katwe' to Ugandan girls, impacting education.
- The inspirational film improved math performance, especially for lower-SES girls.