Poor Economics Book Study
Exploring Poverty Through Evidence-Based Economics
A collaborative reading and discussion series centered on Poor Economics by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo.
Our group will gather virtually to discuss Poor Economics by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo. Through thoughtful conversation and shared reflection, we will deepen our understanding of poverty and consider how each of us might contribute to addressing its causes and consequences.
Whether you come with extensive experience in policy and service or simply a desire to learn, you are welcome in this dialogue.
Why This Book?
Poor Economics challenges assumptions about poverty and the people who experience it. Banerjee and Duflo invite readers to move beyond broad generalizations and consider the complex realities that shape human choices.
Who are we?
We’ll exchange names and introductions when we meet online the first time. Suffice it to say that our group includes individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds, some retired and some in current practice. Some of us are educators, and some come with public heath backgrounds. Some have been attorneys, and some have been physicians.
Our Goals
As we read and discuss Poor Economics, we hope to:
Correct broad assumptions we may have made about poverty that could limit our ability to understand the experiences of others or diminish our effectiveness in making a difference.
Imagine the role each of us can play in reducing poverty and/or its effects, drawing on our professional expertise, community involvement, and personal commitments.
No formal background in economics is required.
Session Schedule
Session 1 - week of July 13
Read the Introduction and Chapter 1: Think Again, Again. You can print the discussion notes in advance, found here.
Session 2 - week of July 27
Theme: Hunger and Health
Read in advance: Chapter 2 “A Billion Hungry People?” and Chapter 3 “Low Hanging Fruit for Better (Global) Health” You can print the discussion notes in advance, found here.
Session 3 - week of August 10
Theme: Education and Population
Read in advance: Chapter 4 “Top of the Class” and Chapter 5 “Pak Sudarno's Big Family” You can print the discussion notes in advance, found here.
Session 4 - week of August 24
Theme: Risk, Insurance, and Credit
Read in advance: Chapter 6 “Barefoot Hedge-Fund Managers” and Chapter 7 “The Men from Kabul and the Eunuchs of India: The (Not So) Simple Economics of Lending to the Poor” You can print the discussion notes in advance, found here.
Session 5 - week of September 7
Theme: Entrepreneurship, Savings, and Policy
Read in advance: Chapter 8 “Saving Brick By Brick” and Chapter 9 “Reluctant Entrepreneurs” You can print the discussion notes in advance, found here.
Session 6 - week of September 21
Theme: Entrepreneurship, Savings, and Policy
Read in advance: Chapter 10 “Policies, Politics,” and “In plkace of a Sweeping Conclusion” You can print the discussion notes in advance, found here.