Edible Economics
with
Ha-Joon Chang
Ha-Joon Chang’s surprise at the homogeneity of British food when he arrived here from South Korea in the 80s drew a significant parallel: there seemed to be one item on the menu of mainstream economic thinking: neoclassical economics. Since then, Chang has been working to broaden the set of economic tools we use, with his latest effort being Edible Economics: A Hungry Economist Explains the World.
Chang takes the view that just as broadening our culinary horizons has improved our relationships and experience of food, engaging with a wider set of economic concepts will improve the functioning of our economy. Rather than discussing the economics of food, the book delivers his core economic arguments with culinary anecdotes grounding the reader throughout. Ha-Joon Chang joined us to discuss some of the themes of his book, highlighting lesser-discussed economic concepts, and the value he feels they bring to the conversation.
Ha-Joon Chang
Ha-Joon Chang is a Research Professor of Economics at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). In addition to the numerous journal articles he has written, he is also the author of many well-regarded books such as 23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism, Economics: The User’s Guide, Bad Samaritans, and Kicking Away the Ladder: Development Strategy in Historical Perspective. Prior to joining SOAS, Ha-Joon taught economics at the University of Cambridge since 1990 and has served as a consultant to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, as well as multiple UN agencies.