Some Unpleasant Arithmetic

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic delves into the intricate relationship between economic principles and societal issues. It explores themes like housing and urban policy, gender wage gaps, immigration, nepotism, and the impact of economic decisions on the environment and social equality. The Substack critically examines market dynamics, entertainment economics, and policy implications, weaving together a narrative that connects economic theory with real-world problems and cultural phenomena.

Economic Principles Societal Issues Housing and Urban Policy Gender Wage Gap Immigration Nepotism Environmental Impact Social Equality Market Dynamics Entertainment Economics Policy Implications

The hottest Substack posts of Some Unpleasant Arithmetic

And their main takeaways

Under the Influence

2 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Influencer Marketing Intellectual Property E-commerce
  1. Two influencers, known for the 'clean girl' style, are in a legal battle over copying each other's content. This shows how serious competition can get in the influencer world, especially when their livelihoods are at stake.
  2. The influencer economy is huge, worth about $250 billion, and many people dream of becoming influencers because of the lifestyle it can offer. However, it can be tough and not everyone makes good money.
  3. Financial influencers, or 'finfluencers', have a strong effect on young investors, sometimes leading them to make risky trades. This raises concerns about whether they are giving smart advice or just chasing thrills.

Macro America Great Again

7 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economics Presidential elections Inflation
  1. Tariffs are taxes on imports that can increase prices for consumers. When companies bring products from abroad, they pay these taxes when the goods arrive in the country.
  2. The concept of comparative advantage suggests that countries should specialize in what they do best. This means countries can save money and resources by trading instead of trying to produce everything themselves.
  3. Using tariffs can lead to higher prices and less efficiency in production. This approach can disrupt supply chains and hurt the overall economy, making things more expensive for everyone.

Haters and Losers

11 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political Ideology Social norms Cultural Shifts
  1. Young men are facing serious educational challenges, doing worse in school than women, which leads to long-term issues in earning potential and job opportunities.
  2. The decline of traditional blue-collar jobs and the shift to more white-collar work has hurt men financially, making them feel insecure and resentful, especially when women are succeeding in their careers.
  3. Men today often struggle with finding meaning in their roles as breadwinners and partners since many women have their own financial independence, which changes the dynamics in dating and relationships.

Is This Our Future?

14 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Political trends Social Dynamics Cultural Commentary Public Policy
  1. There is a big gender gap in political views in South Korea, with young men leaning more conservative and young women supporting progressive causes. This divide is creating tensions between the two groups.
  2. Economic issues like high housing costs and job insecurity are worsening gender relations. Many men feel threatened by their experiences in the job market, leading to negative attitudes towards women.
  3. Women in South Korea are facing significant challenges, including sexual harassment and a strong societal expectation to prioritize family over career. This has pushed many to delay marriage and having children, contributing to low birth rates.

Wolves and Sheep Choosing Dinner

7 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Economics Institutions Political Power
  1. Democracy and economic growth are connected, but it's complicated. Generally, democracies tend to be richer and have higher growth than non-democracies.
  2. A country's political and economic institutions shape its development. Inclusive institutions promote growth and prosperity, while extractive institutions hold back progress.
  3. Culture plays a big role in shaping how people view democracy and governance. Factors like history and community values influence economic and political beliefs.
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Why The Nobel Prize Fails

8 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Economics Development Institutions Research Critique
  1. Some people believe the recent winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics didn’t do groundbreaking work, making it hard to justify their award. They think their research doesn't show enough significant change in the field.
  2. Critics say the winners' theories overlook important historical contexts, like the impact of slavery and colonialism, which are vital for understanding economic development. They argue the winners should have connected their work more with historical literature.
  3. Despite the criticisms, the research done by the Nobel laureates has sparked a lot of ongoing discussions in economics. It has shaped how many economists think about development issues today.

A Nobel Prize For An Institution

11 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
  1. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, James Robinson, and Simon Johnson for their work on institutions and economic development. Their research highlights how good institutions are crucial for a country's economic success.
  2. Institutions refer to the systems, laws, and customs that shape how a government operates and how an economy runs. Strong institutions help promote investment and economic growth.
  3. The authors argue that political and economic elites often maintain their power by blocking changes that could benefit the broader population. For lasting economic development, it's important to ensure more democratic participation and equal access to political power.

Where Cotton's King and Men are Chattel

6 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💾 History Slavery Economics Civil Rights Social Issues Cultural impact
  1. Slavery was profitable for slave owners and played a role in the economic growth of certain sectors, particularly agriculture in the South. This profit, however, came at a huge human cost.
  2. Despite the profitability of slavery, it did not lead to industrialization in the South, as capital was concentrated in slave labor instead of invested in manufacturing. This situation hindered economic development compared to other regions.
  3. After emancipation, while the immediate economic output of cotton farming dropped, the overall economy became more productive in the long run as freed individuals found more efficient roles outside of cotton production.

The Economics of brat

7 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Music Economics Social norms Arts Trends
  1. Partying can actually be a smart choice. Having a wide social circle can help you get better job opportunities and earn more money.
  2. Being cool and attractive really matters. Studies show that good-looking people often earn higher wages and have better chances in their careers.
  3. Making connections and forming friendships is important. Knowing the right people can help you succeed, but being around heavy drinkers can lead to risky behaviors too.

The Economics of Oppenheimer

7 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics Economics Innovation Public funding
  1. The Oppenheimer movie explores the economics of science and how political beliefs can impact a career trajectory.
  2. Scientific progress is becoming harder and slower, influenced by factors like declining population growth and changing incentives for scientists.
  3. Cluster areas, like El Alamo for nuclear physics, play a significant role in scientific breakthroughs, showing the importance of collaboration and location in innovation.

Men Vs. Women

9 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Studies Political Identity
  1. There is a battle of the sexes in terms of political identity and beliefs, with young women becoming more progressive while young men are not.
  2. Economic imbalances and cultural resentments contribute to the divergence of young men and young women politically.
  3. The shift from in-person to online socialization has played a role in radicalization and extremist views among young men.

One Month In

9 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Economic Policy
  1. The new President has focused on shock therapy, deregulation, and an omnibus bill to tackle multiple fields.
  2. The government has implemented fiscal and monetary measures in response to urgent economic issues.
  3. The Milei/Caputo Plan is an emergency adjustment plan lacking a clear nominal anchor for long-term economic stability.

Mini Post #2: Keeping Up With The Medicis

7 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💾 History Wealth
  1. Socioeconomic mobility, the movement of individuals between income levels, shows a decline over centuries, with rich families likely to remain wealthy while others struggle to move up.
  2. Ancestral wealth and profession continue to influence present-day earnings, with a notable correlation between the wealth of families in the 15th century and their economic status today.
  3. The persistence of surnames and professions over generations suggests a significant impact on individual economic outcomes and social mobility, showcasing long-term wealth patterns.

And the Oscar for Economics Goes To... (1/2)

5 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🔬 Science Economics Research Studies
  1. Economics can impact everyday life - like how male-dominated spaces affect women's performance and how integrated teams lead to more success in research
  2. Ethnic violence like lynchings can have significant economic impacts, reducing total factor productivity and output, as shown by historical data
  3. Research shows that changes in policies like legalized same-sex marriage can influence career choices, as seen in the declining enrollment of new priests following these laws

The Monocrisis

13 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Housing Transportation Urbanism Inequality Racism
  1. Housing is a critical issue that impacts every aspect of life in developed countries.
  2. The difficulty in building housing contributes to wealth inequality and racial segregation.
  3. Urban sprawl and car dependency have negative consequences on the environment and contribute to economic and social disparities.

Mini Post #5: The First BlocKKKbuster

4 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Film Racism Social Impact History Entertainment
  1. Movies with racist content, like 'Birth of a Nation,' can contribute to a rise in racial violence and support for hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan.
  2. The popularity and influence of a racist movie such as 'Birth of a Nation' had a significant impact on racial violence and the growth of the KKK.
  3. The study found that the screening of 'Birth of a Nation' was associated with an increase in racial violence and Klan membership over a period of time.

Mini Post #4: We Unbuilt This City

4 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
  1. City attitudes towards housing directly impact housing policy and costs due to the close relationship between housing quantity and cost.
  2. Measuring housing regulation complexities involves identifying cities' own estimates of accommodating new residents, influencing their regulatory output.
  3. California's Regional Housing Needs Assessment provides a unique opportunity to gauge cities' preferences for constructing new housing, revealing insights into regulatory impacts on housing production.

Locked and Wedded

4 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Marriage Gender Inequality Family Society
  1. Valentine's Day can spark arguments about marriage rates and fertility, especially concerning the decline in marriage rates due to changing expectations and financial disparities in relationships.
  2. Factors like higher education levels in women, financial independence, and changing societal norms are contributing to lower marriage rates and different relationship dynamics.
  3. Cultural influences, economic factors, and policy changes are impacting fertility rates and family structures, highlighting the need for more affordable childcare, housing, and supportive policies for families.

A Country Is Not a Company

9 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💼 Business Economics Management Policy Markets Trade
  1. Understanding how markets function is crucial for businesses to operate efficiently.
  2. Companies exist to simplify complex decision-making and to manage relationships between owners and workers.
  3. The dynamics of a country's economy are vastly different from those of a single company due to the scale, complexity, and interdependence of various factors.

Mini Post #3: Elder Daughter Syndrome

3 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
  1. Having children can significantly affect the time use, work hours, and pay of mothers, with a burden of caregiving often falling on them.
  2. The gender wage gap is partly attributed to differences in pay and labor force participation between mothers and men, but not between fathers and childless women.
  3. After childbirth, women in Mexico tend to experience a decrease in paid work hours, an increase in unpaid work hours, and other family members, especially females, also take on more unpaid work.

Tayonomics

8 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Music Economics Ethics Distribution Market
  1. Taylor Swift's monopoly on her brand and the limited competition in her music genre lead to high ticket prices for her concerts.
  2. Ticketmaster's dominance in the ticketing market allows for high prices, low quantities, and lower quality of service.
  3. Price discrimination, differences in supply and demand dynamics, and economic productivity explain varying ticket prices between US and Latin American Taylor Swift concerts.

Freaks of Nature

8 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🚌 Education Economics Academia Research Science Critique
  1. Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics explore economic behavior in various aspects of life through vignettes.
  2. The books present controversial theories and findings, such as the impact of abortion legalization on crime rates and climate change cost-benefit analysis.
  3. Critics argue that while the books offer a unique perspective, they may lack rigor in answering complex economic questions.

And the Oscar for Economics Goes To... (2/2)

2 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🚌 Education Economics Cultural analysis Gender Studies Social Sciences
  1. Attending elite prep schools like the fictional Barton Academy can significantly impact future success, leading to better chances of admission to prestigious colleges and higher income levels.
  2. Distinctively Black names have always existed in the United States, and research shows that having these names does not necessarily imply disadvantages in the labor market.
  3. Moving to better neighborhoods during childhood can have a positive impact on future outcomes, such as higher education attainment and earnings, particularly if the move occurs at a young age.

Inmovable Objects and Unstoppable Forces

7 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Society Identity Equality Art History
  1. Nepotism is common in various industries, giving advantages to those with connections.
  2. Parental influence plays a significant role in career paths, particularly in high-earning professions like medicine and law.
  3. Housing availability and policy have profound impacts on economic equality and opportunity for different groups.

Recessioncore

7 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
  1. The biggest economic question is whether there will be a recession in the United States, with signs pointing to 'maybe.'
  2. The Federal Reserve's goal is a 'soft landing,' decreasing inflation without causing a recession, but their strategy and indicators have faced criticism.
  3. There is concern over a potential recession due to public perception and 'bad vibes,' even though current data suggests the economy is strong and may not need a recession to address inflation.

We Didn't Build This City

6 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Urbanism Gender Race Inequality Policy
  1. Cities are often built for and by men, leading to limitations on women's public participation.
  2. Zoning ordinances have historically been used to promote racial segregation and inequality in cities.
  3. Urban policy and city planning have a significant impact on societal equality and wealth distribution.

House of the Mouse

4 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Branding Gender Film
  1. Disney Princesses have only been an official thing for 18 years.
  2. The Disney Princess brand has undergone changes and controversies over the years.
  3. Brand management and integrity are crucial for Disney and have driven major decisions.

The Economics of NOPE

6 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Economics Markets
  1. The movie NOPE explores the idea that certain things should not be produced or sold, highlighting themes of commerce and spectacle.
  2. Repugnance in markets can lead to government intervention when outcomes are not socially optimal, with examples like banning organ sales or slavery.
  3. The debate on moral limits of markets involves normative (what should be) vs positive (what is) economics, with economists often lacking background in non-math disciplines.

Checked Out

5 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Social media Verification Celebrities Engagement Communication
  1. Twitter drama over blue check verification sparked controversies among celebrities and users.
  2. Celebrities face trade-offs between engaging with a large audience and avoiding risks to their reputation on social media platforms.
  3. Challenges arise when the system allows anyone to be verified, potentially mixing important figures with undesirable individuals.

C.R.E.A.M

5 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💼 Business Economics Urbanism Labor Market
  1. Location choice for businesses is influenced by factors like market size, transportation costs, and differences in costs
  2. Cities experience agglomeration of economic activities due to labor market demand and specialization
  3. Urban development is constrained by limited urban land types and non-infinite demand for services

Marvelous Failures

4 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Movies Hollywood Film Industry Awards Entertainment
  1. The film industry is prioritizing big budget spectacles over creativity, resulting in low output and little interest.
  2. There is a trend of exhaustion with the current state of movies, with audiences craving new and innovative content.
  3. The history of the film industry shows cycles of innovation, exhaustion, and reinvention, suggesting a potential new realignment in the future.