Are Economists Measuring the Wrong Things?
Today’s guest, Nobel Prize winner James Heckman, is one of the world’s most influential—and misunderstood—economists. His research showing that intensive, early interventions can help low-income children close achievement gaps has been, he says, willfully misinterpreted as support for expensive and unworkable universal preschool programs that he calls “political ploys.”
Nick Gillespie caught up with Heckman at the Winds of Change conference in Buenos Aires, where they discussed whether income mobility has stagnated in America, how the economics profession has been captured by status seeking rather than serious intellectual endeavors, and why AI is helping him extend the depth and breadth of his research into his 80s. They revisit his controversial 1995 Reason review of The Bell Curve, by Richard J. Herrnstein and Charles Murray, and other attempts to quantify intelligence as a fixed thing, and his critiques of economists like Raj Chetty, who argue that when it comes to economic mobility, “ZIP code is destiny.”
0:00—The experience of winning a Nobel Prize
3:04—Neighborhood effects on human development
8:02—Education and parental involvement
18:28—Universal preschool
22:31—Family environments
28:40—The problem with the GED
36:13—Title VII and Affirmative Action
40:05—When is intervention harmful?
52:57—Economic mobility
59:07—Javier Milei
1:01:43—President Donald Trump’s economy
Upcoming Reason Events
The world premiere of Escaping Venezuela is on October 13. Get your tickets here.
Today’s Sponsor
Cato Innovation Project: Design your own full-time, paid role at Cato. If we fund your idea, you spend two years executing it. Apply here: cato.org/reasonmag.
The post Are Economists Measuring the Wrong Things? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
Source: https://reason.com/podcast/2026/10/07/are-economists-measuring-the-wrong-things/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,834,167,337 |
| Stories: | 8,716,827 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
 God's Word - 2 Corinthians Chapter 10 (Jeff Osburn) |