Economics Explored

Gene Tunny interviews William ‘Bill’ Welser IV, the visionary behind Lotic, an AI startup designed to transform personal data into actionable insights while protecting user privacy. Bill discusses how Lotic’s AI-powered digital companion is designed to help users make better decisions, improve mental health, and understand their behavior patterns. The episode dives into ethical considerations, data security, and the economic implications of widespread AI adoption.Please let Gene know your thoughts on this episode by emailing him at contact@economicsexplored.com.TimestampsIntroduction (0:00)Bill Welser's Vision for Lotic AI (3:14)Data Collection and User Interaction (6:18)Behavioral Insights and Health Applications (14:20)Privacy and Legal Considerations (32:51)User Demographics and Market Reach (34:58)Startup Journey and Future Plans (44:12)TakeawaysPersonalized AI as a Digital Companion: Lotic aims to transform individuals from passive data subjects into active agents by providing personalized insights. The AI helps users understand themselves better, make small behavioral changes, and potentially improve mental health, relationships, and job satisfaction.Privacy and Ethical Data Collection: Bill Welser emphasizes a deliberate, privacy-first approach to data collection. Lotic uses advanced cryptography, blockchain technology, and user-controlled data sharing to protect personal information, ensuring users have agency over their data and insights.Potential Economic Impact of AI: Welser suggests that as AI disrupts traditional job markets, individuals could leverage their personal data as a form of currency. He believes creating comprehensive, discrete personal data sets could help mitigate potential unemployment waves and provide new economic opportunities for people.Links relevant to the conversationLotic website:https://www.lotic.ai/CEO Magazine profile of Bill Welser IV:https://digitalmag.theceomagazine.com/william-welser-iv/?r=globalEverybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us about Who We Really Arehttps://www.amazon.com.au/Everybody-Lies-Internet-About-Really/dp/0062390856Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

Kevin Kennon, an award-winning architect, discusses the future of cities, housing affordability, and the role of architecture in urban life. He emphasizes the importance of smarter density, mixed-use developments, and integrating residential, commercial, and community spaces. Kennon highlights the impact of tariffs on housing costs and the need for free trade. He also discusses the benefits of prefabricated components over modular housing and the role of urban transport in housing affordability. Kennon advocates for architects to have a greater role in shaping public policy to improve livability and economic vitality in cities.Please let Gene know your thoughts on Trump’s tariffs and any questions or comments regarding this episode by emailing Gene at contact@economicsexplored.com.About Kevin KennonKevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., Kevin leads the development of zero-carbon emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations worldwide, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. His extensive portfolio includes projects like the 1.5 million square foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. Additionally, he led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further solidifying his impact on architectural innovation.  Kevin’s expertise spans adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale developments, with projects featured in the permanent collection of MoMA, New York. He has earned over 40 international design awards and is a sought-after thought leader, contributing to discussions on urban development, climate change, and sustainable architecture. His work extends beyond architecture; as an expert witness and lecturer at leading institutions like Yale and Columbia, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to his craft. TimestampsIntroduction (0:00)Kevin Kennon's Journey into Architecture (2:53)Economic Considerations in Architecture (7:13)Impact of Tariffs on Housing Affordability (11:22)Challenges in Housing Development (15:53)NIMBY Issues and Urban Development (18:19)Principles of Better Urban Design (21:00)Social Housing and Public Investment (33:01)Role of Urban Transport in Housing Development (38:05)Modular Housing and Productivity (44:12)TakeawaysSmarter Density is Key: Cities should move away from rigid zoning that separates residential and commercial spaces, instead creating mixed-use developments that blend different functions and create more vibrant, integrated neighborhoods.Architecture is About Imagining the Future: Architects are not just solving spatial problems, but are critical thinkers who can help design more livable, affordable, and sustainable urban environments that address complex social and economic challenges.Economic Considerations Drive Urban Design: Real estate development is deeply influenced by economic factors like tariffs, interest rates, and investment strategies, which significantly impact housing affordability and urban development.User Control Enhances Productivity: Workplace design should focus on giving people greater control over their environment, including temperature, lighting, and space configuration, which can improve overall productivity and satisfaction.Modular Housing Has Limitations: While prefabricated housing components show promise for reducing construction costs, they are not a magic bullet for housing affordability. Successful solutions require a holistic approach considering local conditions, transportation, and community needs.Links relevant to the conversationKevin’s Wikipedia entry:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_KennonEconomics Explored episode w/ Natalie Rayment, YIMBY QLD on the Missing Middle in housing:https://economics-explained.simplecast.com/episodes/missing-middle-housing-other-urban-planning-issuesLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

Nineteenth-century American economist Henry George blamed poverty and depressions on landlords. George argued that their rents were associated mainly with public investments and should be shared with the community. Show host Gene Tunny speaks with returning guest John August about Georgism—the economic philosophy of Henry George that advocates for a single tax on land value. They explore the ethical and economic arguments behind taxing land, its historical popularity, and how it is perceived today. The discussion covers economic rent, speculation, tax distortions, and housing policy, critically examining Georgism's assumptions and limitations. John is the Fusion Party candidate for Bennelong in the upcoming Australian federal election. Please let Gene know your thoughts on Trump’s tariffs and any questions or comments regarding this episode by emailing Gene at contact@economicsexplored.com.TimestampsIntroduction (0:00)John August’s Background and Campaign (4:19)Georgism and Its Influence (7:25)Economic Theory and Georgism (11:35)Critique of Georgism (16:19)Land Value Taxation and Economic Rent (23:15)Impact of Georgism on Economic Policy (31:54)Conclusion and Future Discussion (49:33)TakeawaysGeorgism, developed by Henry George in the 19th century, proposes a radical approach to taxation by advocating for a single tax on land values to address economic inequality and reduce speculation.While most economists reject Georgism, the theory continues to have passionate advocates who argue that land value taxation could create a more productive and just economic system.The Georgist perspective highlights how public infrastructure and community development can increase land values, creating unearned income for property owners without compensating the broader community.Modern Georgists have moved away from the original concept of a 100% land value tax, instead advocating for a significant increase in land value taxation as part of a broader tax reform strategy.The theory raises important questions about property speculation, economic rent, and the potential for less distortionary forms of taxation that could promote more equitable economic development.Links relevant to the conversationJohn’s federal election campaign website: John August for Bennelonghttps://www.fusionparty.org.au/john_august_bennelongGrand Pursuit: The Story of Economic Genius - Nasar, Sylviahttps://www.amazon.com.au/Grand-Pursuit-Story-Economic-Genius/dp/0684872986Fixing Australia’s Housing Crisis: Fusion’s Plan w/ Owen Miller – EP277https://economicsexplored.com/2025/03/27/fixing-australias-housing-crisis-fusions-plan-w-owen-miller-ep277/Trent Saunders and Peter Tulip’s RBA Discussion Paper “A Model of the Australian Housing Market”:https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/rdp/2019/2019-01/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

Gene Tunny and Nicholas Gruen dive deep into the economic implications of Trump's sweeping tariffs. They explore the micro and macroeconomic dimensions—from optimal tariff theory to trade deficits and geopolitical fallout. With humour, clarity, and urgency, they unpack why these tariffs will do more harm than good, both economically and politically. A video version of this episode will appear as an episode of the Uncomfortable Collisions with Reality podcast on Nicholas’s YouTube channel. Please let Gene know your thoughts on Trump’s tariffs and any questions or comments regarding this episode by emailing Gene at contact@economicsexplored.com.Update: As of Friday morning (GMT+10), 11 April 2025, Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on countries other than China have been delayed 90 days. TimestampsIntroduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)Micro and Macroeconomics of Tariffs (3:17)Optimal Tariff and Economic Models (6:30)Challenges of Tariffs and Adjustment Costs (49:45)International Macroeconomic Implications (50:06)Historical Context and Policy Responses (1:06:52)Conclusion and Future Outlook (1:10:22)TakeawaysTariffs Are a Tax—Mostly Paid by Domestic Consumers: While Trump claims foreigners pay, economic models show that domestic consumers typically bear the burden.Optimal Tariff Theory Has Limits: While large economies might, in theory, benefit from some tariffs, real-world retaliation, adjustment costs, and supply chain complexities negate most benefits.Rule of Law Undermined: Trump's unilateral imposition of tariffs under national security justifications breaks trust in U.S. international agreements and damages credibility.Macroeconomic Drivers Are Key to Trade Deficits: Tariffs are a microeconomic tool used to address a macroeconomic problem—high consumption and low savings—which misses the real issue.Supply Chains Suffer from Tariff Shock: Modern manufacturing depends on intricate global supply chains. Tariffs disrupt production and create uncertainty for businesses.Links relevant to the conversationNicholas Gruen and Gene Tunny’s article “Why Trump’s tariffs are better than you think — and much worse”:https://www.crikey.com.au/2025/03/06/donald-trump-tariffs-impact-global-economy/Nicholas’s YouTube channel which hosts his Uncomfortable Collisions with Reality podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@NicholasGruenLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

Are Trump’s tariffs a masterstroke of economic negotiation or a blunder with global consequences? Show host Gene Tunny and returning guest Darren Brady Nelson debate the rationale behind punitive tariffs, the backlash from markets, and whether this is all part of a broader deal-making strategy. They also discuss Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative and Darren’s run-in with a wild turkey on Wisconsin’s special elections campaign trail.Please let Gene know your thoughts on Trump’s tariffs and any questions or comments regarding this episode by emailing Gene at contact@economicsexplored.com.TimestampsIntroduction and Market Reaction to Trump's Tariffs (0:00)Darren Brady Nelson's Run-In with a Wild Turkey (1:45)Assessment of Trump's Tariffs (6:51)Formula for Calculating Tariffs (12:26)Impact on Consumers and Businesses (19:59)National Security Considerations (37:06)DOGE's Role in Identifying Waste and Fraud (44:07)Wisconsin Special Election and Voter ID Law (55:14)Australian Election Predictions (1:00:42)Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (1:05:44)Links relevant to the conversationTrump’s Executive Order “Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits”:https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/regulating-imports-with-a-reciprocal-tariff-to-rectify-trade-practices-that-contribute-to-large-and-persistent-annual-united-states-goods-trade-deficits/Statement by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva:https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/04/03/pr2587-statement-by-imf-managing-director-kristalina-georgievaDarren’s 2018 article “Trumpʼs tariffs: free, fair or foul trade?”, in which he discusses Adam Smith and free trade: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xQEt4n1bJ-W3RN2-H7_0w3q6vcI3eBCc/view?usp=sharingDan Mitchell’s “Six Visuals to Understand Trump’s Suicidal Tax Increase on Trade”:https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/04/03/pr2587-statement-by-imf-managing-director-kristalina-georgievaCNN reporting, “This is the dubious way Trump calculated his ‘reciprocal’ tariffs”:https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/03/economy/reciprocal-tariff-math/index.htmlAxios reporting, “Trump's surprisingly simple tariff math”:https://www.axios.com/2025/04/03/how-trump-calculated-tariffs-trade-deficitCNBC reporting, “Trump open to tariff negotiations, contradicting White House aides”:https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/03/trump-tariffs-live-updates-stock-market-trade-war.htmlNote this reporting: ‘Top Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro denied that Trump’s new tariffs are being used as a tool to negotiate better trade terms with other countries.’Great Reset discussion with Darren from 2020:https://economics-explained.simplecast.com/episodes/the-great-resetDOGE’s reported savings:https://doge.gov/savingsLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

Show host Gene Tunny and the World Bank’s Nilima Ramteke delve into the transformative impact of fast payments. They discuss how Project FASTT (Frictionless Affordable Safe Timely Transactions) bridges financial gaps and drives inclusive economic development worldwide. For example, they cover how QR codes and mobile apps make digital payments more accessible for small merchants and rural communities.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.TimestampsIntroduction (0:00)Overview of Project FASTT (2:28)Benefits and Implementation of Fast Payment Systems (7:50)Challenges in Implementing Fast Payment Systems (14:51)Role of Central Banks and Trust in Fast Payment Systems (20:33)Impact of Fast Payment Systems on Cryptocurrencies (25:53)Conclusion (31:36)TakeawaysFast payments enable 24/7, low-cost, secure, real-time transactions, making them vital for financial inclusion.Project FASTT provides a toolkit and support for implementing fast payment systems globally.Central banks, in collaboration with private sectors, play a key role in designing and implementing fast payment systems.QR codes and mobile apps make digital payments more accessible for small merchants and rural communities.Fast payments offer an alternative to cryptocurrencies in emerging markets, significantly where volatility and regulatory risks hinder crypto adoption.Links relevant to the conversationWorld Bank Project FASTT website: https://fastpayments.worldbank.org/World Bank paper on “What Does Digital Money Mean for Emerging Market and Developing Economies”:https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099736004212241389/p17300602cf6160aa094db0c3b4f5b072fcLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

There’s an upcoming election in Australia, and housing will be a big issue. Show host Gene Tunny chats with Fusion Party candidate Owen Miller about Fusion’s sweeping housing policy proposals. Topics include eliminating negative gearing, taxing capital gains on owner-occupied homes, and increasing public housing. They also discuss ideas like charter cities, high-speed rail, and a government-run real estate platform.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.About Owen MillerOwen Miller grew up in Sydney and has long been interested in science fiction, ultimately leading to the study of mechatronics (robotics & control systems) and computer science at the University of Sydney.After working in different software roles in Sydney and even dealing Blackjack for some months, Owen moved to Seattle to work on the recommender systems at Amazon. Owen later moved to New York and was involved in smaller startups, especially in hospitality. Although the start-ups didn't take off, this rite of passage involved less shielding from the real world and helped clarify the roles of the market and the state in the provision of essential aspects of life, such as software and social cooperation.In 2020, Owen started the Non-Human Party; a vision for an opt-in online nationality that would optimise the existence of robots and animals, in addition to humans.Upon moving to Melbourne in 2022, Owen became the Registered Officer of Fusion, with the hope of enabling Australia to reach its full potential as a wealthy, sustainable and harmonious paradise; a beacon for the rest of the world. He currently serves as Fusion’s Convenor.Owen was Fusion’s candidate for the 2023 Aston federal by-election.In 2024, he ran as a candidate for local council in Merri-bek (for the Bulleke-Bek ward).He will again be running as a federal candidate in 2025, this time in Wills.In 2024, Spotify classified Owen as belonging to the top 0.05% of Kylie Minogue fans.Source: https://www.fusionparty.org.au/owen_millerTimestampsIntroduction (0:00)Relationship Between Fusion Party and Pirate Party (3:07)Fusion Party's Housing Policy Goals (4:04)Comparisons with Other Countries and Tax Policy (6:19)Immigration and Housing Policy (9:09)Owner-Occupier Capital Gains Tax and Land Tax (12:53)Renter's Rights and Social Housing (17:16)Supply-Side Housing Policies (27:49)Liberté Account and Open Source Real Estate Listings (38:24)Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up (51:02)TakeawaysTax reform is central to Fusion’s housing strategy — They propose reducing capital gains tax discounts and phasing in land tax for all properties, including owner-occupied homes.Fusion supports a major investment in social housing — Advocating a jump from 3.2% to 10% of housing stock as public housing.Tenant rights need an upgrade — Fusion argues for banning no-fault evictions and establishing minimum standards like clean air and energy efficiency.Livret A accounts could revolutionize infrastructure funding — A French-style citizen savings bond to fund high-speed rail and public housing projects.Urban sprawl isn't the answer — Fusion favors infill development and transport-driven decentralization over expanding city fringes.Links relevant to the conversationFusion’s housing policy:https://www.fusionparty.org.au/housing_as_a_homeLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

Show host Gene Tunny speaks with Louis O’Connor, CEO of Strategic Metals Invest, about the increasing demand for strategic metals like gallium, hafnium, and indium—essential for modern technology. They discuss China’s dominance in rare earth processing, the geopolitical stakes, and how supply chain vulnerabilities could impact global markets. Louis also shares insights into investing in these scarce resources.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.TimestampsIntroduction to Strategic Metals and Geopolitical Implications (0:00)Overview of Strategic Metals Invest (2:53)China's Dominance in Rare Earths (4:00)Characteristics and Importance of Strategic Metals (14:55)Investment in Strategic Metals (16:11)Geopolitical Risks and Supply Concentration (23:33)Private Investment and Market Opportunities (32:45)Historical Context and Future Outlook (43:09)Market Volatility and Investment Strategies (46:49)Partnership Opportunities and Future Growth (49:46)TakeawaysStrategic metals are crucial – Essential for semiconductors, defence, and energy transition, these metals are essential for modern technology.China dominates rare earth processing – While reserves exist elsewhere, China leads in refining, creating supply chain risks.Investing in scarcity – Private investors can own and store strategic metals, profiting from increasing demand and limited supply.Geopolitical tensions impact prices – Trade restrictions and conflicts can drive scarcity-driven price spikes.The West is racing to catch up – The U.S., Australia, and Europe are working to develop independent supply chains, but progress is slow.Links relevant to the conversationStrategic Metals Invest website:https://strategicmetalsinvest.com/Lynas Rare Earths (Australia’s Leading Rare Earth Producer):https://lynasrareearths.com/US DoD article “Securing Critical Minerals Vital to National Security, Official Says”:https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4026144/securing-critical-minerals-vital-to-national-security-official-says/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

In this episode, Gene Tunny interviews Prof. Adam Boddison, CEO of the Association for Project Management. They explore why projects—whether in construction, IT, or public infrastructure—often go over budget and run late. Adam shares insights on project planning, risk management, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. They also discuss real-world case studies, including the Sydney Opera House and the Channel Tunnel, highlighting how long-term benefits sometimes outweigh initial budget overruns.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.About this episode’s guest: Prof (Dr) Adam Boddison OBE Adam is Chief Executive of the Association for Project Management. He has a non-executive director portfolio that has previously included being Chair of the Corporation for a Further Education college and a Trustee for a multi-academy trust providing education for 32,000 pupils across 58 primary, secondary and specialist settings. Adam is also a Visiting Professor at Stranmillis University College (Queens University Belfast) and the University of Leicester (School of Business).Prior to this, Adam held a number of executive leadership roles including Chief Executive for nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs), Director of the Centre for Professional Education at the University of Warwick and Academic Principal for IGGY (a global educational social network for gifted teenagers). He has published a range of education books and mathematics text books and is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist.Adam has a particular interest in leading organisations that deliver societal benefit.Source: https://www.adamboddison.com/Timestamps for EP275Introduction and Importance of Project Management (0:00)Overview of the Association for Project Management (2:59)Professional Qualifications and Training (5:58)Critical Chain Project Management (11:15)Challenges and Successes in Project Management (14:29)Examples of Successful Projects (26:16)Risk Management and Judgment in Project Management (30:40)Mega Projects and Project Management Literature (34:52)Adam’s work which led to his OBE award (39:00)TakeawaysMost projects fail at the start, not the end. Poor initial planning and unrealistic expectations often set projects up for failure.Stakeholder engagement is critical. Involving the right people from the beginning can prevent costly mistakes later.Project success is about more than time and budget. Long-term benefits, such as economic impact and societal improvements, should be factored in.Mega-projects are prone to overruns. Large-scale projects often face budget and timeline issues due to political, technical, and financial uncertainties.The "Pre-Mortem" approach helps mitigate risk. Imagining a project's worst-case scenario before starting can identify potential pitfalls early.Links relevant to the conversationAssociation for Project Management:https://www.apm.org.uk/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.

Show host Gene Tunny sits down with Professor Cordelia Fine to discuss her latest book, Patriarchy Inc. Professor Fine argues gender biases are embedded in jobs and organizational structures, affecting women's career prospects. Topics include ‘greedy jobs,’ the undervaluation of feminized professions, the limits of diversity programs, and the role of evolutionary psychology in shaping gender assumptions. Whether you agree or disagree, this discussion offers a fresh perspective on gender in the modern economy.If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for Gene, please email him at contact@economicsexplored.com.About this episode’s guest: Professor Cordelia FineCordelia Fine is a Canadian-born British academic and writer. Her work analyses scientific and popular biological explanations of behavioural sex differences and workplace gender inequalities, explores the effects of gender-related attitudes and biases on judgements and decision-making, and contributes to debates about workplace gender equality. She is the author of three popular science books, published in 13 languages. Among other accolades, Testosterone Rex won the Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize. She is currently a professor in the History & Philosophy of Science in the School of Historical & Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne.Timestamps for EP274Introduction (0:00)Cordelia Fine's Background and Interests (2:44)Defining Patriarchy and Its Persistence (4:45)Gender Pay Gap and Job Selection (12:03)Impact of Gender Norms and Stigma (23:09)Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs (33:01)Market Thinking vs. Relations Thinking (40:07)Alternative Evolutionary Perspectives (1:05:11)Conclusion and Recommendations (1:14:11)TakeawaysThe Gender Pay Gap Is Complex – It's not just about discrimination; factors like ‘greedy jobs’ (roles demanding long, inflexible hours) and the devaluation of feminized jobs play a major role.Diversity Initiatives Have Limits – Many corporate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs focus on ‘fixing’ women rather than addressing structural workplace issues.Workplace Norms Favor Men – High-status, high-paying jobs often assume an ‘ideal worker’ who can dedicate unlimited hours—an assumption that disadvantages women with caregiving roles.Traditional Economic Models Miss the Full Picture – Traditional market-based explanations of wage determination often overlook workplace hierarchies, organizational power dynamics, and societal gender norms.Evolutionary Psychology Oversimplifies Gender – Popular claims that men and women have biologically determined career preferences are challenged by alternative theories emphasizing cultural and social learning.Links relevant to the conversationCordelia Fine’s website:http://www.cordelia-fine.com/Patriarchy, Inc.:https://www.amazon.com.au/Patriarchy-Inc-Wrong-Gender-Equality/dp/1838953345Research showing increasing returns to overwork over time:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0003122414528936The Gender Pay Debate: Understanding the Factors Behind the Gap w/ Dr Leonora Risse – EP230https://economicsexplored.com/2024/03/10/the-gender-pay-debate-understanding-the-factors-behind-the-gap-w-dr-leonora-risse-ep230/Lumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee’s Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED Full transcripts are available a few days after the episode is first published at www.economicsexplored.com.