Ologies with Alie Ward

Economic Sociology Pt. 1 (MONEY/FREAKONOMICS) with Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman and Steven Levitt

Jan 26, 2021
Join economist Steven Levitt, known for his work on "Freakonomics," and rising star Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, a Harvard Fellow and co-founder of the Sadie Collective, as they dive into the intriguing world of economic sociology. They discuss how everyday choices—like saving for retirement or enjoying avocado toast—are steeped in economic principles. Anna shares her insights on macroeconomics and outsourcing, while Steven critiques outdated math education. Together, they reveal how economics shapes our decisions and societal norms.
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ANECDOTE

Origin Story: Steven Levitt

  • Steven Levitt initially disliked economics, finding its basic concepts obvious.
  • His friend's confusion about comparative advantage revealed Levitt's innate economic intuition.
ANECDOTE

Origin Story: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman

  • Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman's early exposure to economics came from her father and brother's political discussions and watching The Daily Show.
  • She later realized the show's guests, whom she found insightful, were often economists.
INSIGHT

Economics in Everyday Life

  • Every decision, from personal choices to company strategies, is fundamentally economic at its core.
  • They involve trade-offs, like choosing between immediate gratification and long-term goals.
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