Principles of Microeconomics by Joshua Gans

Principles of Microeconomics Reviews

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  Millie Muroi

  Super well written and a must-read for anyone interested in any of the social sciences and human behaviour. Well-researched with relevant contemporary examples and relatively easy to follow along with (especially if you're undertaking an Economics unit). From explaining how Ford's $5 wages actually raised profits to discussing why attractive people tend to be paid more, the authors have done an amazing job at delivering engaging content.
  
  The one section I did find slightly irksome was titled "Economics of Discrimination". Whilst I found it really eye-opening to learn how competitive markets were a "natural remedy for employer discrimination" (essentially, those firms that hire 'cheaper' workers who are discrimated against by others, will accumulate more profit and multiply, pushing discriminatory firms out of business), it did seem that Gans and co. were a little too optimistic when it came to the extent to which their mechanism solved the problem.
  
  That said, there's a generally great awareness of the limitations of economic models and the need for a balanced interdisciplinary approach in addressing societal problems such as poverty, environmental degradation and inequality. Indeed, I'm afraid that intriguing textbooks and econs units are converting me from an arts to a commerce student😬 Quelle galère!