Actually Existing Socialism Socialism v. Capitalism: The Empirical Data w/Howard Waitzkin
14 snips
May 23, 2022 Dr. Howard Waitzkin, a seasoned healthcare veteran and researcher known for his work on healthcare policy, dives into his landmark 1986 study comparing quality of life in capitalist and socialist nations. He discusses the study's groundbreaking findings showing socialism often yields better health outcomes. Waitzkin also explores how socialist nations successfully tackled COVID-19 through community mobilization, contrasting this with capitalist responses. Plus, he reflects on misconceptions surrounding socialism and shares insights on the origins of his pivotal research.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Study's Focus and Key Metric
- Dr. Howard Waitzkin and Dr. Shirley Saracetto's 1986 study compared quality of life metrics between capitalist and socialist countries.
- The study's key innovation was comparing countries at similar development levels, revealing socialism's material benefits.
Collaboration Origins
- Waitzkin and Saracetto met while working on the Orange County, California Central American Support Committee.
- This collaboration led to their joint work on the landmark study comparing socialist and capitalist countries.
Methodology and Data Source
- The study used World Bank data, a conservative source, for country classifications and development levels.
- This ensured impartiality and made the study's pro-socialist findings even more compelling.