Appetizers in development economics

Abstract

First paragraph: In Edible Economics, South Korean development economist Ha-Joon Chang argues against the neoliberal philosophy that “has normalized self-serving behavior” (p. xxii). He contends that the discipline of economics is a determinant factor in idea creation and in the organization of our lives, and therefore it is useful to understand how economic theory translates into reality. He also believes that a broad understanding of economics can help “make our society a better place to live for us and the coming generations” (p. xxiv). Food, the author admits, does not fit seamlessly into this objective and is instead a device to reel in the attention of the reader before expanding on development economic theory. The marriage between personal food stories and economics can sometimes feel disjointed; the reader may wonder how a chapter beginning with the history of rye leads to Otto von Bismarck’s establishment of the welfare state. But, with Chang’s palpable gregariousness, love of food, and general self-awareness, his essays succeed in making economics more “edible.” . . .