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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™
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Articles 1 - 6 of 6
Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Introduction, Ken Mccormick
U.S. Animal Agriculture Policy: Problems And Solutions, Steven Mischel
U.S. Animal Agriculture Policy: Problems And Solutions, Steven Mischel
Major Themes in Economics
The current structure of the American animal agriculture industry is fraught with problems. The externalities from it are disproportionately felt by a limited group of individuals who lack political and economic influence. Far from taxing or constraining animal agriculture, The U.S. Government subsidizes its worst practices through a variety of direct and indirect methods. This paper recommends four specific reforms in agriculture policy that will level the playing field for small farmers and push the industry toward greater economic efficiency.
Competitive Balance And Team Payroll: The Case Of Major League Baseball, Tyler Veach
Competitive Balance And Team Payroll: The Case Of Major League Baseball, Tyler Veach
Major Themes in Economics
I examine the connection between Major League Baseball (MLB) team payrolls and team success. Previous studies attempted to quantify the effect that increased spending has on success. In 2000 MLB commissioned a study of competitive balance. The Blue Ribbon Panel concluded that MLB had lost its competitive balance and measures were needed to save “America’s pastime.” Since 2000 new data has become available. I have used the new data to update the Blue Ribbon Panel’s study. I show that the dominance of the high-spending teams in the 1990s did not continue, and that competitive balance exists in MLB.
The Motherhood Wage Penalty In America, Jennifer A. Boden
The Motherhood Wage Penalty In America, Jennifer A. Boden
Major Themes in Economics
The difference in pay between mothers and otherwise comparable non-mothers is called the family gap. Mothers are paid less than non-mothers on average. Is it because mothers are different than non-mothers or are mothers penalized because of their decisions to have children? Previous studies have found that after controlling for demographic and human capital characteristics, mothers are paid less than non-mothers on average. This study uses 2008 American Community Survey data and finds evidence that the family gap exists in the United States.
Can The ‘Fat Tax’ Carry Its Weight?, Carl Bakker
Can The ‘Fat Tax’ Carry Its Weight?, Carl Bakker
Major Themes in Economics
Obesity is a rising problem in America and is blamed for externalities such as increasing health care costs. Some have proposed taxes on “unhealthy” foods so as to internalize the externalities and to generate revenue to subsidize “healthy” foods. I examine several such proposals and conclude that taxes based on perceived externalities from the obese are not the best options. Other solutions such as increasing awareness and nutritional programs would be better.