The Hidden Curriculum S1E11 - Transitioning from Private to Academia with Benjamin Hansen
Nov 19, 2020
Benjamin Hansen, WE Miner Professor of Economics at the University of Oregon, shares his fascinating transition from the private sector to academia. He delves into his research on police staffing and its complex relationship with homicide rates, particularly in marginalized communities. The discussion highlights the challenges and strategies of navigating academic pathways post-2008 financial crisis, along with the importance of maintaining professional networks. Plus, the hosts bond over cycling, recommending Zwift as a fun way to stay active and connect.
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Former Punk-Band Lead
- Benjamin Hansen used to be the lead singer and guitarist in punk bands, including one called Mullets and Bullets.
- He still sings in his car and keeps guitars visible in his home.
Police Staffing Has Race-Differentiated Effects
- Benjamin Hansen is finishing a paper separating police staffing effects by race-specific homicide outcomes.
- He combines homicide and police-shooting data to identify deterrence and arrest patterns.
Tradeoff Between Homicide Reduction And Over‑Policing
- More police staffing lowers both Black and white homicide rates but raises low-level arrests.
- Increases in misdemeanor arrests are much larger for young Black males than for young women.