In this episode of Inequality by Design, we (Ben Johnson and Dr. Ryan Mattson) explore how economic thought has evolved—and what that means for understanding inequality today. We talk about Ryan’s upbringing in Oklahoma, his political transformation over the years, and how academia has shaped the way we both think about economics. We also dig into the gap between economic theory and real-world impact, especially when it comes to things like tariffs and their role in deepening inequality. We wrap up the episode with a call to action: engage with the data, question the narratives, and take a closer look at the policies shaping your everyday life.
Takeaways
The rich have rigged the system to serve themselves.
Data can challenge long-held economic beliefs.
Tariffs disproportionately affect the lower and middle classes.
Economic principles are often ignored in policy-making.
The disconnect between theory and practice of economic principles.
Engaging with economic data can empower individuals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Inequality by Design
02:17 Ryan Mattson's Background and Early Influences
05:25 Shifting Political Views and Academic Experiences
10:24 The Disconnect Between Data and Free Market Ideology
14:32 The Role of Economics in Policy Justification
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About the authors: Ben Johnson is completing a master’ s degree in public administration from the University of Delaware. He has undergraduate degrees in Russian and international relations from the University of Oklahoma. As an emergency medical technician in Wilmington, Delaware, he gained direct insights into the lives of the poorest Americans. Johnson lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with his wife and children. Dr. Ryan Mattson has a PhD in economics. His research has focused on macroeconomic measures, inflation, and monetary policy. He currently works as an economist at a think tank in Kansas, where he lives with his wife and children.
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