I am trying to decide if I should write regularly on here and make it a part-time gig. As readers, you are the best people to ask. So, what do you think?
I asked this question on a post from a long time ago that was definitely not the right place to post it...
I’m 16 and have loved Econ since I was like 11. I loved to read the WSJ, watched so many Econ basics videos, and talked about the aggregate demand/aggregate supply model with as many people as I could. From what I’ve seen of the world and from reading people like you, I know a future in Econ can be *difficult* for women. Already I have been discouraged in math classes and encouraged to stick to history. Do you have any advice about how to start down the path of studying economics or someday a career for a young woman? Like would it actually be really beneficial if I knew more math than the average man in the class or if I was really well read on theory or had worked on any projects in these years? Thank you for your work!
I'm sure Claudia Sahm gave you better advice than this, but
1.Mathematics is poorly taught in high school. This isn't an indictment of individual teachers, it's set up that way. If you speak to them, the math education curriculum elites will tell you that they think it's a good idea to teach abstract ideas that don't make any sense (Algebra II) If you go on and complete first year calculus, Algebra II makes a lot more sense,
2.As you are probably aware, there is a longstanding debate in economics regarding whether it should be regarded as a STEM subject with a heavy emphasis on math, or as an Arts subject with a heavy focus on economics concepts, that focuses on logical thinking (first order effects, second order effects and so on) but not necessarily on math.
3.If you like history as well, you should look into studying economic history.
I had the exact thoughts about algebra II- it taught a lot of abstract concepts that are hard to test on without knowing calculus so it became kind of about who showed their work better…
Economic history seems really cool- I loved the book by Deidre McCloskey that combined literary history, anthropology, the history of language, and economic analysis. Thank you for the thoughtful advice!!
In regards to economic history, you might wonder what job opportunities are available in that. Outside of the obvious ones teaching at the high school or college level (most likely in history) there are civil service jobs and probably consulting jobs as well.
But, one that I'd like to highlight is, I think anyway, an interesting niche: there are all of these radio, television and movie documentaries on history that likely hire (or should hire) economic historians to consult with them on the program/series. I don't know if there are a lot of jobs in this, but, there aren't an enormous number of economic historians either. So, while the demand for economic historians may not be huge, neither is the supply.
Yes please do, i feel like your substack would be really intersting!!
I think you should. It’s always a joy to read your work. #TeamFullEmployment
It's an easy decision from me - i'd love to support your great work.
I would love to read more from you on here!
I asked this question on a post from a long time ago that was definitely not the right place to post it...
I’m 16 and have loved Econ since I was like 11. I loved to read the WSJ, watched so many Econ basics videos, and talked about the aggregate demand/aggregate supply model with as many people as I could. From what I’ve seen of the world and from reading people like you, I know a future in Econ can be *difficult* for women. Already I have been discouraged in math classes and encouraged to stick to history. Do you have any advice about how to start down the path of studying economics or someday a career for a young woman? Like would it actually be really beneficial if I knew more math than the average man in the class or if I was really well read on theory or had worked on any projects in these years? Thank you for your work!
email me at claudia.sahm@gmail.com and we can set up a call. I always love talking with our next generation!
Wow, thank you!
I'm sure Claudia Sahm gave you better advice than this, but
1.Mathematics is poorly taught in high school. This isn't an indictment of individual teachers, it's set up that way. If you speak to them, the math education curriculum elites will tell you that they think it's a good idea to teach abstract ideas that don't make any sense (Algebra II) If you go on and complete first year calculus, Algebra II makes a lot more sense,
2.As you are probably aware, there is a longstanding debate in economics regarding whether it should be regarded as a STEM subject with a heavy emphasis on math, or as an Arts subject with a heavy focus on economics concepts, that focuses on logical thinking (first order effects, second order effects and so on) but not necessarily on math.
3.If you like history as well, you should look into studying economic history.
I had the exact thoughts about algebra II- it taught a lot of abstract concepts that are hard to test on without knowing calculus so it became kind of about who showed their work better…
Economic history seems really cool- I loved the book by Deidre McCloskey that combined literary history, anthropology, the history of language, and economic analysis. Thank you for the thoughtful advice!!
In regards to economic history, you might wonder what job opportunities are available in that. Outside of the obvious ones teaching at the high school or college level (most likely in history) there are civil service jobs and probably consulting jobs as well.
But, one that I'd like to highlight is, I think anyway, an interesting niche: there are all of these radio, television and movie documentaries on history that likely hire (or should hire) economic historians to consult with them on the program/series. I don't know if there are a lot of jobs in this, but, there aren't an enormous number of economic historians either. So, while the demand for economic historians may not be huge, neither is the supply.