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
5 implied HN points 25 Apr 23
  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.
4 implied HN points 12 Jul 23
  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.
5 implied HN points 22 Feb 23
  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
4 implied HN points 05 Apr 23
  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.