How a Behavioral Economist Explains a Frappuccino Problem

Since 1995, many of us have been consuming shamelessly decadent Frappuccinos. Just one Ultra Caramel Frappuccino with dark caramel coffee, layers of whipped cream (each topped with a dollop of caramel sauce), and white chocolate tops the 400 calorie threshold.…

Why China’s Two-Child Policy Might Not Work

Although China has said it will replace its one-child policy with a two child limit, small families remain a social norm that will be tough to change.

Weekly Roundup: From Lost Jobs to Fewer Tips

Posts Roundup Sunday 10.11.15 Why we stick with a brand…more Monday 10.12.15 The many meanings of the minimum wage…more Tuesday 10.13.15 How a drone port solves road problems…more Wednesday 10.14.15 Development surprises from a new Nobel winner…more Thursday 10.15.15 Finding disappearing jobs…more…

Tipping Decisions

Phasing in a no-tipping policy, Danny Meyer will eliminate tipping decisions, raise prices, change server pay and increase what the kitchen staff earns.

Weekly Roundup: From Uber’s Impact to the Cost of Children

Our everyday economics includes social norms, tradeoffs, financial intermediaries, human capital, sovereign debt, externalities,labor markets, & gender gap.

Why Recycling is More Expensive

Because recycling is a broad social norm, we do not differentiate between good and bad recycling and, as a result, have a higher cost.

Should Your Boss Require Vacations?

OECD countries mandate that wages and salaries be paid for vacations and sick while, in the U.S., firms decide their own policies.

Changing Female Images

Facebook’s COO Sheryl Sandberg said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” When econlife looked at women and the symphony orchestra several weeks ago, we first saw a world that, in 1970, was 95% male. Musical directors only saw men…