One of the things that has always driven me crazy about economics, particularly on the subject of labor economics, is the notion that hours spent working is always a negative utility. Given a 40 hour work week, for some people, this may be true.
What really got to me is this quote from my econ prof, issued moments ago: “We work so that we can consume.” And to this I have only the following to say: Ewww.
Yeah, it’s a math model, yeah I care about money. But that particular statement seemed to reflect some terribly self-destructive tendencies that are overwhelming our society. Our esteem ought to come from what we make, not what we take.
Back to doing my homework in class. 😉
I have often found that economists are willing to choose their language in public statements in a manner which seems like they’re talking about the state of the world, when they’re really talking about the state of their models.
I hope that my perception that economists often do not realize the difference between these two things is incorrect.