Poor Economics Book Study

Exploring Poverty Through Evidence-Based Economics

A collaborative reading and discussion series centered on Poor Economics by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo.

This study group examines how individuals living in poverty make decisions regarding health, education, finance, and opportunity, and how economic policy can better respond to real human behavior.

Meeting Information

Format: Weekly discussion seminar
Schedule: TBA
Location: Online mostly, maybe a couple of times in person?
Facilitator: Laura Sullivan

About the Study

This book study is designed for readers interested in economics, public policy, development studies, behavioral science, education, and social justice.

Rather than approaching poverty through ideology alone, Poor Economics investigates how people actually live, decide, adapt, and survive under conditions of scarcity. Through research-based analysis and real-world case studies, the book challenges common assumptions about aid, incentives, and economic behavior.

Participants are encouraged to read thoughtfully, ask questions openly, and engage critically with both the evidence and the ethical implications of development policy.

No formal background in economics is required.

About the Book

Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty presents findings from decades of field research conducted across multiple countries and communities.

Authors Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo examine topics including:

  • Hunger and nutrition

  • Health care access

  • Education systems

  • Microfinance and savings

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Risk and uncertainty

  • Government aid programs

The book emphasizes practical, evidence-driven interventions over broad ideological solutions.

Reading Schedule

Week 1

Introduction + Chapter 1

Theme: Think Again, Again

Discussion Focus:

  • What assumptions about poverty does the book immediately challenge?

  • How does scarcity shape decision-making?

Week 2

Chapters 2–3

Theme: Hunger and Health

Discussion Focus:

  • Why do individuals sometimes avoid beneficial health interventions?

  • How do incentives affect public health outcomes?

Week 3

Chapters 4–5

Theme: Education and Population

Discussion Focus:

  • What barriers exist beyond access to schooling?

  • How should educational success be measured?

Week 4

Chapters 6–7

Theme: Risk, Insurance, and Credit

Discussion Focus:

  • Why are the poor often risk-averse?

  • What role does microfinance realistically play?

Week 5

Chapters 8–10

Theme: Entrepreneurship, Savings, and Policy

Discussion Focus:

  • What misconceptions exist about entrepreneurship among the poor?

  • Which policies appear most effective?

Discussion Guidelines

Participants are encouraged to:

  • Engage respectfully and thoughtfully

  • Support arguments with evidence from the text

  • Consider both economic and ethical dimensions

  • Remain open to revising assumptions

The purpose of this study is collaborative learning rather than debate alone.

Recommended Resources

  • Author interviews and lectures

  • Development economics articles

  • Supplemental case studies

  • Weekly reflection notes

Additional materials will be posted throughout the study.