More on the economic impact of the pill

3/6/2012

Written in a slightly more professional manner than my own post, Annie Lowrey on the New York Times' Economix Blog reviews the same research on the positive economic outcomes of access to birth control.

And an open question, as proposed by a brilliant frustrated economist: why is there such an enormous disconnect (and time lapse) between economic research and policy implementation? Any insight is appreciated.

4 Comments

ironmonkey285

3/18/2012 11:43:42 am

Incentives!

Or lack thereof.

ironmonkey285

3/18/2012 11:48:32 am

though information and information costs... ie the fact that nobody knows about important research which could lead to better policy results..

Why isn't the info disseminated? or why isn't the info acted upon even if its not a matter of public knowledge. surely leaders have access to this information, and could probably LEAD the public if they wanted (by passing policy accordingly, and/or convincing the public that it is an issue, and/or convincing them to read the study for themselves... but jk on that last part, since people don't read).. so this comes back to incentives, i think. and social choice.

Aine

3/25/2012 08:00:06 am

If information dissemination is a big factor here, then we should have more academic blogs that explain research in a practical way, no?

ironmonkey285

3/25/2012 10:54:26 am

Bingo.

Though to really take hold, you need to break through "silos".. ie since your blog followers are the educational elite. can't help but think a lot of educated people don't need a lot of convincing that this is a fine economic and public health investment. you might need to attract a bunch of dumber people, to get mass support (and realign incentives). Maybe start making viral videos? Glad to help, i have made tons of sweet youtube videos on my webcam..

More on the economic impact of the pill

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Aine Seitz McCarthy

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