Monthly Archives: October 2007

Are U Happy?

Posted on October 11, 2007 by andrewleigh

Middle-aged and feeling glum? Don’t worry, you’re just like most people in developed countries. And when you get older, you’ll be as happy as when you were a young ‘un. Is Well-Being U-Shaped over the Life Cycle? David G. Blanchflower … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics Generally | Comments Off on Are U Happy?

Death in the Family

Posted on October 10, 2007 by andrewleigh

My friend Macgregor points me to this extraordinarily moving article by Christopher Hitchens. If you’re as lachrymose as me, I don’t recommend reading it at work. 

Posted in Iraq | 4 Comments

When 50.1% isn't enough

Posted on October 10, 2007 by andrewleigh

I somehow managed to miss this very interesting piece by Simon Jackman in the Bulletin, showing that there’s a systematic bias in the Australian electoral system against Labor, such that they typically need 51-52% of the two-party vote to win … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics | 11 Comments

Wanted: Economist to Do Own Research

Posted on October 8, 2007 by andrewleigh

My group – the Economics Program in the Research School of Social Sciences at ANU – is advertising for a junior economist (academic levels B/C/D) to do “close to full-time research”. The position description is over the fold. As academic … Continue reading →

Posted in Jobs | 1 Comment

Tapping the Wisdom of Blog Crowds

Posted on October 8, 2007 by andrewleigh

A friend of mine who lives in Sydney is looking to do postgraduate studies in economics. Does anyone have advice for him? Here’s his dilemma. I was hoping that you may be able to give me some advice on options for part-time … Continue reading →

Posted in Universities | 12 Comments

Do we need country quotas for refugees?

Posted on October 7, 2007 by andrewleigh

I’ve been meaning to write a post about Kevin Andrews’ recent decision to reduce the share of refugees coming to Australia from Africa (and, conversely, to increase the share of non-African refugees, since the total intake is staying constant). In … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics, Trade & Development | 29 Comments

Two Americas

Posted on October 7, 2007 by andrewleigh

My co-author Tim Smeeding draws my attention to some fascinating new research. In 1988, three-quarters of Americans thought that their society was not one of ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. Now, half of them think it does fit that description. More … Continue reading →

Posted in Inequality | 4 Comments

Is Saturday the Safe Day?

Posted on October 7, 2007 by andrewleigh

I’m presenting a seminar at the University of Melbourne next Tuesday (October 9), on the topic “Are Weekend Births More Dangerous?”. As with the last ANU seminar on this topic, it’ll be on a “please do not quote or cite” … Continue reading →

Posted in Coming Events | Comments Off on Is Saturday the Safe Day?

Pooled Poll Puzzles Psephologist

Posted on October 6, 2007 by andrewleigh

The SMH today presents the results of “the latest six-month average of the Herald/Nielsen Poll”. With a sample size of 8115 voters, it’s certainly likely to be more precise than each of the individual polls that comprise it (though the … Continue reading →

Posted in Australian Politics | 3 Comments

Why the Line is Shorter in Queensland

Posted on October 5, 2007 by andrewleigh

I just returned from two weeks in Europe, working with co-authors in London and attending a conference on inequality in Seville. At the end of the journey, we flew into Brisbane to spend some time with family. After those fusty … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

For Better Policymaking, Toss a Coin

Posted on October 4, 2007 by andrewleigh

I have an oped in the Australian Financial Review today, discussing the upsurge of randomised trials in development economics, and linking it to Indigenous policy in Australia. It was written under somewhat unusual circumstances. I’ve spent the past few days on … Continue reading →

Posted in Indigenous Policy, Trade & Development | 8 Comments