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Behavioural economics is being abused by politicians as a justification for flawed policies over the coronavirus outbreak
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Graham Watson
April 27, 2020 2:44 AM
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Aha!
I missed this yesterday but this article looks at the application of nudge theory to coronavirus, and concludes that the influence of behavioural economics could, in this instance, have had an adverse effect upon policymaking.
Whilst the author concedes that there have been cases where the application of 'nudges' has improved policy outcomes, she argues that it may have over-extended itself here. Further, there is an interesting point about a possible conflict of interest: the head of the Behavioural Insights Team reportedly sits on SAGE, the government team of expert advisers, and will benefit from any 'business' that comes his company's way as a result of these meetings.
It is a particularly thought-provoking start to a Monday.