I have published a new book “Cracking Economics” (Cassell Octopus Press) It is an overview of economics, split into easily manageable topics. The book is illustrated throughout with diagrams, graphs and photos to give a visual explanation of the text and economic ideas. It is aimed at anyone with an interest in economics. Even a …
Readers Question: Is it possible to construct the economic system so that does not rely on expanded growth which as we all know, is damaging the environment? causing pollution e.t.c. Could we have a society without economic growth? or as economists might prefer to answer – Can we have environmentally sustainable economic growth? To promote …
Elasticity is an important concept in economics. It is used to measure how responsive demand (or supply) is in response to changes in another variable (such as price). Price Elasticity of Demand The most common elasticity is price elasticity of demand. This measures how demand changes in response to a change in price. See: Price …
Readers Question: What are the benefits of “supply-side” economics, particularly for the working class, the middle-class if you will? Supply-side policies encompass a range of different policies that seek to reduce tax rates and government intervention in the economy. In the US, supply-side economics has become synonymous with the Laffer Curve theory and the Reagan …
In economics, gravity theory relates to how international trade between countries is influenced by Geographical proximity Economic size (mass) of the respective countries (M) Similarities in consumer preferences and economic development The gravity theory of trade suggests, ceteris paribus, an economy will gravitate towards trading with its closest neighbours and economies which are similar in …
In behavioural economics, studies have suggested individuals value the concept of reciprocity. If people are kind to us, we have a greater tendency to respond in kind – behaving more altruistically than self-interest theory suggests. Reciprocity can also work in a negative sense, with agents willing to ‘punish’ those who abuse the ‘rules of the …
Behavioural economics examines the psychology behind economic decision making and economic activity. Behavioural economics examines the limitation of the assumption individuals are perfectly rational. Key people: Gary Becker, Daniel Kahneman, Richard Thaler, Robert J. Shiller, Concepts in behavioural economics Bounded rationality – making decisions based on limited information and from a narrow range of heuristics …