Commentary

Labor market issues in the German election

This Sunday Germany goes to the polls to elect a new government. The two main political parties are the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party. However, the Eurosceptic and populist party Alternative for Germany, has grown in popularity and currently polls 11% of the vote. Whilst Germany is Europe’s largest economy and has low unemployment, its labor market policy is far from simple.

How candidates’ looks affect their election chances

Research suggests that political candidates who look more attractive or competent have an electoral advantage around the world.

The impact of repealing “Obamacare” on children’s academic performance

There are many reasons to feel relieved by the recent failure to overturn the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, better known as the ACA or “Obamacare.” While attention was rightly focused on the impact that repealing the ACA would have had on the poor, the sick, and the elderly, the repeal could have had severe consequences for another group that was not directly targeted by opponents of the ACA. The cognitive and non-cognitive development of America’s youth, even of boys and girls whose health coverage was not threatened by repeal of the ACA, could have been deeply harmed.

Gender diversity in teams

Team composition is a rising theme in the economics literature. One branch looks at the impact of expanding women’s participation on corporate boards, political commissions, and other teams. Women’s presence can both alter group preferences and influence group dynamics. As some committees are responsible for high-level decision-making, greater participation by women could reduce the achievement gap currently found between men and women in positions of authority.