Economics of Social Issues - Ansel Sharp,Charles Register,Paul Grimes

About the book

Sharp/Register/Grimes' Economics of Social Issues originated the Social Issues approach to teaching basic economic principles. Designed as an introduction to general economics for non-majors, it presents economic concepts as useful tools to analyze contemporary social issues. Each chapter presents economic concepts then places them within the context of very current issues facing society. The book may also be used to supplement principles courses with lively social issues to add relevance to the economic principles being taught.

Economics of Social Issues has garnered a loyal user following for its timely and impartial handling of current social issues that dominate newspapers and television news. As the major social issues facing our society change, so does this textbook. While the issues are contemporary and the supporting information updated, the authors remain objective.

Key features

Enhanced and more thorough treatment of the Production Possibilities model in Chapter 1.

In an effort to stay current, the authors eliminated the outdated "collectively consumed/individually consumed" dichotomy in favor of the more modern "public/private good" characterization. This is first seen in Chapter 5 and carried throughout the rest of the book.

Significantly updated Chapter 12 on ¿Unemployment.¿ The authors took a more modern approach to introduce Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand. The new discussion now breaks Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand into short-term and long-term. Additionally, an enhanced discussion of labor force definitions and terms was added.

Significantly updated Chapter 13 on ¿Inflation.¿ Discussion in this chapter builds upon the new breakdown of Aggregate Supply and Aggregate Demand introduced in Chapter 12. The chapter now distinguishes between short-term and long-term situations and outcomes. All new graphs are included in this chapter.

All data found in the 18th edition was thoroughly revised and updated with the latest available economic statistics. Additionally, the authors updated review questions and the recommended readings list to reflect new or modified content. The end-of-chapter list of websites points readers to original data sources for the latest figures released after publication.

Current Topics. Students will not only learn the latest trends in social issues, but will also learn to see their relevance. Such topics include a discussion of single-entry sports leagues using Major League Soccer (MLS) as an example, a discussion of embargoes as an international trade restriction policy using the U.S. embargo of Cuba as an example, and an analysis of the 2001 recession and prospects for economic growth during the next decade.

Provides a starting point for general economics and encourages using economic concepts to analyze appropriate issues. An economic issue is discussed impartially and without bias, concepts and principles are developed for the student, and then they are applied to the issue. The text helps students understand economic issues to enhance the rest of their adult lives as citizens, voters, and participants in the economy.

A logical flow of economic concepts. The issues throughout the text are arranged so that the basic economic concepts are logically developed and an understanding of these concepts is reinforced through repeated use and application. The sequence of chapters also allows for flexibility in course coverage without loss of continuity.

Strong Pedagogy. Chapter opener pages with a chapter outline and a checklist of important economic concepts, excerpts illustrating pertinent economic issues introduce chapter discussion, and marginal definitions and notations clarify terms and provide insight into discussions for students. Easy-to-understand figures and tables illustrate points of discussion. End-of-chapter summaries, discussion questions, list of additional readings, and Internet resources reinforce learning of new material. Easy-to-use Glossary of Terms facilitates assimilation of new vocabulary.

Table of contents

1: Alleviating Human Misery: The Role of Economic Reasoning
2: Economic Systems, Resource Allocation, and Social Well-Being: Lessons from China's Transition
3: Government Control of Prices in Mixed Systems: What Are the Actual Outcomes?
4: Pollution Problems: Must We Foul Our Own Nests?
5: Economics of Crime and Its Prevention: How Much is Too Much
6: The Economics of Education: Crisis and Reform
7: Poverty Problems and Discrimination: Why Are So Many Still Poor?
8: The Economics of Big Business: Who Does What to Whom?
9: The Economics of Professional Sports: What is the Real Score?
10: Competition in the Global Marketplace: Should We Protect Ourselves From International Trade?
11: Unemployment Issues: Why Do We Waste Our Labor Resources?
12: Inflation: How to Gain and Lose at the Same Time
13: Economic Growth: Are We Living in a "New Economy"?
14: Government Spending, Taxing, and the National Debt: Who Wins and Who Loses?
15: Social Security and Medicare: How Secure Is Our Safety Net for The Elderly?