Diverse Field of Economics
Diverse Field of Economics
Diverse Field of Economics
Comparative Economic Systems examines the ways alternative economic systems function. This talks about the advantages and disadvantages of different systems. Econometrics applies statistical techniques and data to economic problems in an effort to test hypotheses and theories. Economic development focuses on the problems of low-income countries. This talks about what can be done to promote development in these nations. Important concerns of development economists include population growth and control, provision for basic needs, and strategies for international trade.
Economic History traces the development of the modem economy. This covers what economic and political events and scientific advances that caused the Industrial Revolution. This explains the tremendous growth and progress of post World War II Japan and what caused the Great Depression of the 1930s. Economics of Race & Gender examines the role of race and gender in economic theory, in economic life, and in policy making. It answers how has discrimination by race or gender affected the well-being of households and the distribution of income and wealth. Environmental Economics studies the potential failure of the market system to account fully for the impacts of production and consumption on the environment and on natural resource depletion.
Finance examines the ways in which households and firms actually pay for, or finance, their purchases. It involves the study of capital markets (including the stock and bond markets), futures and options, capital budgeting, and asset valuation. The History of Economic Thought which is grounded in philosophy, studies the development of economic ideas and theories over time, from Adam Smith in the eighteenth century to the works of economists such as Thomas Malthus, Karl Marx, and John Maynard Keynes. Because economic theory is constantly developing and changing, studying the history of ideas helps give meaning to modem theory and puts it in perspective. Industrial Organization looks carefully at the structure and performance of industries and firms within an economy. How do businesses compete? Who gains and who loses?
International Economics studies trade flows among countries and international financial institutions. Talks about the advantages and disadvantages for a country that allows its citizens to buy and sell freely in world markets. Also why the dollar is strong or weak. Labor Economics deals with the factors that determine wage rates, employment, and unemployment. It answers: How do people decide whether to work, how much to work, and at what kind of job? How have the roles of unions and management changed in recent years? Law & Economics analyzes the economic function legal rules and institutions. How does the law change the behavior of individuals and businesses? Do different liability rules make accidents and injuries more or less likely? What are the economic costs of crime?
Public Economics examines the role of government in the economy. What are the economic functions of government, and what should they be? How should the government finance the services that it provides? What kinds of government programs should confront the problems of poverty, unemployment, and pollution? What problems does government involvement create? Urban & Regional Economics studies the spatial arrangement of economic activity. Why do we have cities? Why are manufacturing firms locating farther and farther from the center of urban areas?