August 09, 2005
Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner
A very disappointing book. This book confuses taking a shallow and unfocused approach to analysis with taking an innovative and non-traditional approach to analysis. While some of the analysis was quaint it also came across as shallow and pointless. Two examples stand out.
First, drop in crime rate is because of increase in abortion rate. How do you spend 30% of your book making that case and then end it with a token reference to the fact that many consider one million abortions an important factor in the discussion when it turns your hypothisis on its head. It talks about how the death penalty has no effect on crime but isn't that what abortion is? Preemptive death penalty? If anything this analysis proves that the death penalty is the most effective method of reducing crime. Also there is no analysis on the impact of birth control at all which surely would have just as much impact if not more then abortion. Thats like ignoring the elephant in the living room.
Second. The last third of the book discusses the impact of genetics, parents and peers. By the end of the book each one ends up getting full credit for how kids turn out.
The book was a total waste of my time.
Posted by Sid at August 9, 2005 11:57 AM | Book Review
