The Economics of Excess
Addiction, Indulgence, and Social Policy
Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Social Policy
| Author: | Harold Winter | ISBN: | 9780804780674 |
| Publisher: | Stanford University Press | Publication: | August 16, 2011 |
| Imprint: | Stanford Economics and Finance | Language: | English |
| Author: | Harold Winter |
| ISBN: | 9780804780674 |
| Publisher: | Stanford University Press |
| Publication: | August 16, 2011 |
| Imprint: | Stanford Economics and Finance |
| Language: | English |
The Economics of Excess discusses both standard and behavioral economics as they apply to addiction, indulgence, and social policy. Chapter One provides a thorough discussion of economic models of addiction. The model developed in most detail takes into account both standard and behavioral approaches. The next three chapters examine specific indulgences: smoking, drinking, and overeating. The heart of this book is its comprehensive discussion of what is often referred to as the "new paternalism." Many economists are now challenging the more traditional belief that, unless they are harming others, people should be left to their own indulgences. As more and more economists are arguing for policies that are designed to protect people from themselves, this book offers a serious, yet accessible, discussion of the pros and cons of such interventions. Written in an approachable style, this book will serve researchers who are new to the economics of addiction and students in a variety of economics and policy courses alike.
The Economics of Excess discusses both standard and behavioral economics as they apply to addiction, indulgence, and social policy. Chapter One provides a thorough discussion of economic models of addiction. The model developed in most detail takes into account both standard and behavioral approaches. The next three chapters examine specific indulgences: smoking, drinking, and overeating. The heart of this book is its comprehensive discussion of what is often referred to as the "new paternalism." Many economists are now challenging the more traditional belief that, unless they are harming others, people should be left to their own indulgences. As more and more economists are arguing for policies that are designed to protect people from themselves, this book offers a serious, yet accessible, discussion of the pros and cons of such interventions. Written in an approachable style, this book will serve researchers who are new to the economics of addiction and students in a variety of economics and policy courses alike.
