FREAKONOMICS

Ripley, Amanda (2005) Unconventional wisdom, TIME, 5/2. 71

In Steven Leavitt’s new book FREAKONOMICS, he looks at some uncommon examples of what appears to work, but does not reward.

WHY DO DRUG DEALERS STILL LIVE WITH THEIR MOMS? Drug selling is like a pyramid. When you get to street hustlers, they generally make less than minimum wage. The work is hard because one stands in the cold and rain and dangerous. You can get killed and arrested

ABORTIONS REDUCE CRIME! This is one of his most controversial findings. He doesn’t like abortions, but admits that terminating the fetus of poor unwanted kids reduces the crime rate.

KIDS DO BETTER ON S.A. T.’S if they are upper middle class, and their parents are in their 30’s or older. It is not the trips to the museum that help; it is more the genetics along with not having to work and having your own bedroom. Motivation is the key.

The books are a collection of essays so there really is not a center to the book, but it is a good read maintains the reviewer.