Synopses & Reviews
This book explains and assesses the ways in which micro, welfare and benefit-cost economists view the world of public policy. In general terms, microeconomic concepts and models can be seen to appear regularly in the work of political scientists, sociologists and psychologists. As a consequence, these and related concepts and models have now had sufficient time to influence strongly and to extend the range of policy options available to government departments. The central focus of this book is the 'cross-over' from economic modelling to policy implementation, which remains obscure and uncertain. The author outlines the importance of a wider knowledge of microeconomics for improving the effects and orientation of public policy. He also provides a critique of some basic economic assumptions, notably the 'consumer sovereignty principle'. Within this context the reader is in a better position to understand the 'marvellous insights and troubling blindnesses' of economists where often what is controversial politically is not so controversial among economists.
Review
"Steven Rhoads draws from a wide range of sources to survey the views of mainstream economists on how the world works....a wide-ranging and cogent exposition of the state of economics and its relationship to public policy....the author is objective, making his book thought-provoking for both expert and non-expert alike." Cato Policy Report |x x"This is a wise and judicious book. Steven Rhoads is a political scientist who has profited a great deal from learning some economics and seeing how economists apply micro theory to substantive public policy issues." Journal of Economic Literature |x x"Definitely a book that a person who tries seriously to undertake multidisciplinary work between economics and political science ought to confront, for it usefully indicates the many ways one can display narrowness or overlook important causal forces in such endeavors." Roger C. Noll, American Political Science Review
Synopsis
In a clear, lively and non-technical style, the author explains and assesses the way in which micro, welfare and benefit-cost economists view the world of public policy. The work of these economists has significantly influenced scholarship in political science, law, philosophy, sociology and psychology, and it has led to important changes in government policy concerning the environment, housing and the regulation of industry. The author explains why Democratic and Republican economists so often agree about micro-policy issues and why they are so often at odds with many politicians, consumer advocates and business and union leaders. He argues that even an elementary knowledge of resource economics could help us avoid many current public policy blunders. The book will be of interest to students and teachers of public policy, public administration, business and law and to the educated lay reader.
Synopsis
In a clear, lively and non-technical style, the author explains and assesses the way in which micro, welfare and benefit-cost economists view the world of public policy. The work of these economists has significantly influenced scholarship in political science, law, philosophy, sociology and psychology, and it has led to important changes in government policy concerning the environment, housing and the regulation of industry. The author explains why Democratic and Republican economists so often agree about micro-policy issues and why they are so often at odds with many politicians, consumer advocates and business and union leaders. He argues that even an elementary knowledge of resource economics could help us avoid many current public policy blunders. The book will be of interest to students and teachers of public policy, public administration, business and law and to the educated lay reader.
Synopsis
The author explains why Democratic and Republican economists so often agree about micro-policy issues and why they are so often at odds with many politicians, consumer advocates and business and union leaders. He argues that even an elementary knowledge of resource economics could help us avoid many current public policy blunders.
Synopsis
It explains and assesses the ways in which micro, welfare and benefit-cost economists view the world of public policy.