When to Rob a Bank

Résumé du livre

Steven D. Levitt teaches economics at the University of Chicago. His unorthodox approach of using the tools of economics to reveal hidden aspects of everyday decisions has triggered debate in the media and academic circles.

Each year, millions of parents grapple with naming their newborns, yet names often carry unexpected weight. For instance, a peculiar pattern links the middle name Wayne to numerous criminals, prompting Stephen Dubner to forbid his daughters from dating anyone with that name. Similarly, the name Nevaeh skyrocketed in popularity after a Christian rockstar introduced it on MTV, while some names, like Dr. Les Plack, amusingly align with their bearers’ professions. Beyond names, irrational pricing strategies, such as overpriced wings or costly generics at chain pharmacies, reveal how consumers often fail to question value. Even government practices, like producing pennies at a loss, defy logic. Environmental efforts can also backfire, as walking and replenishing calories with milk may rival driving in carbon emissions, while reducing meat consumption proves more impactful than home gardening. Risk perceptions are similarly skewed—horseback riding is statistically more dangerous than motorcycle riding, and most violent crimes are committed by familiar individuals, not strangers. Lies, whether to qualify for welfare or embellish memoirs, can sometimes yield personal or societal benefits, while financial incentives, like paying students to improve test scores, highlight the power of motivation. Consumption trends, such as the rise in shrimp demand, often stem from supply-side changes rather than psychological shifts. Even crime offers surprising insights, from the influence of priming on prisoner honesty to the effectiveness of simply asking immigration applicants about their criminal history. These examples illustrate how human behavior, economics, and societal norms intersect in unexpected ways.

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