I became interested in economics while an undergraduate at Cornell University. After graduating in 1973, I attended MIT and earned my Ph.D. in 1977. My doctoral dissertation investigated the circumstances under which rent control is likely to be adopted by a municipality. I modeled rent control as a policy response to consumer disequilibrium that is caused by mobility costs obstructing adjustments to relative price changes.
My academic interests include:
Students, why should you consider taking economics classes? Young people should envision a world at peace, with social justice, respect for human rights, environmental sustainability, prosperity and freedom. In other words, a very different reality from the world today. The exercise of power in the service of insatiable greed is arguably the main obstacle to achieving this dream. Economic mechanisms and institutions are used and manipulated by those in power to subvert the dream and perpetuate the status quo. Understanding economics may help you construct a better world.