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Unterschiede im Denken zwischen Ökonomen und Laien – Erklärungsansätze zur Verbesserung der wirtschaftspolitischen Beratung

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  • Dominik H. Enste
  • Alexandra Haferkamp
  • Detlef Fetchenhauer

Abstract

Recent findings in Economic Psychology on the thinking and judgment of economic laymen can help to improve economic policy advice. First, based on psychological theories and empirical findings, the notion of the Homo oeconomicus is challenged. The economic situation is judged by laymen using implicit theories and biases, which are not in line with neoclassical economics. Then, the relevance of these theories and heuristics is shown empirically by the systematically different opinions of economists and non‐economists on economic policy measures like minimum wages and maximum salaries. Conclusions for policy advisors complement the analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Dominik H. Enste & Alexandra Haferkamp & Detlef Fetchenhauer, 2009. "Unterschiede im Denken zwischen Ökonomen und Laien – Erklärungsansätze zur Verbesserung der wirtschaftspolitischen Beratung," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 10(1), pages 60-78, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:perwir:v:10:y:2009:i:1:p:60-78
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2516.2008.00294.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Volker Arnold, 2009. "Vom Sollen zum Wollen –über neuere Entwicklungen in der Wirtschaftsethik," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 10(3), pages 253-265, August.
    2. Enste, Dominik & Gabel, Rebecca & Potthoff, Jennifer, 2025. "Internationaler Gerechtigkeitsindex: Betrachtungen von sechs Dimensionen in 34 Ländern," Studien, Stiftung Familienunternehmen / Foundation for Family Businesses, number 320370.
    3. Lenger, Alexander & Kruse, Jan, 2012. "Rekonstruktive Forschungsmethoden in der deutschen Volkswirtschaftslehre: Eine explorative Erhebung zugrunde liegender Repräsentationsmuster," The Constitutional Economics Network Working Papers 02-2012, University of Freiburg, Department of Economic Policy and Constitutional Economic Theory.
    4. Stiftung Familienunternehmen (ed.), 2012. "Der Weg zu einer "Agenda 2030": Reformen zwischen objektiver Notwendigkeit und individueller Verweigerung," ZEW Expertises, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research, number 110562.
    5. Lotz, Sebastian & Fix, Andrea R., 2013. "Not all financial speculation is treated equally: Laypeople’s moral judgments about speculative short selling," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 34-41.
    6. Sauerland, Dirk, 2012. "Zur Beziehung von Akzeptanz, Gerechtigkeit und Leistungsfähigkeit der sozialen Marktwirtschaft," Wittener Diskussionspapiere zu alten und neuen Fragen der Wirtschaftswissenschaft 23/2012, Witten/Herdecke University, Faculty of Management and Economics.
    7. Greta Langer & Sarah Kühl, 2024. "Perception and acceptance of robots in dairy farming—a cluster analysis of German citizens," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 41(1), pages 249-267, March.

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