The author of Naked Economics, Charles Wheelan, discusses many past and present world issues in the introduction of his book. He brings up the global financial crisis of 2008 and the failed French policy of lowering workweek hours. He also mentions health care changes and efforts to end "drive through deliveries." Wheelan states that with knowledge of economics, one can have a better understanding of these issues and fix them before they hurt society.
Wheelan states that, "students are rarely asked, as they might be, why basic economics made the collapse of the Soviet Union inevitable (allocating resources without a price system is overwhelmingly difficult in the long run)... or why mandating more generous maternity leave benefits may actually be detrimental to women (employers may discriminate against young women when hiring)" (Wheelan xvii). Students are rarely asked to answer these relevant questions, but with a basic understanding of current economics, people can better predict and prevent issues of the world.
Throughout the introduction, Wheelan is arguing for the importance of a knowledge of economics. This knowledge, which he says just about anyone can obtain, would be a solution to the issues he mentions.
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