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In
the Resource section, we have included several interviews with hopes that
these dialogues can bring you closer to "what
economists do." As we mentioned earlier in the "What
is Economics?" section, economics is a broad range of fields, and
many people do it for a living! The interviews are with teaching fellows
and economists who teach economics on the college level.
We'd
like to thank everyone we interviewed for setting aside time in their busy
schedules to do these interviews with us. Without you, this part of this
would not have been possible. It was truly and enlightening experience to
speak with each of you!
Indhira
Santos is a Teaching Fellow of Social Analysis
10 (Principles of Economics) at Harvard College, and currently attends
Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.
This
interview was done by YiDing in February, 2004.
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What
do you teach at Harvard? Could you briefly describe the material?
"I
teach Social Analysis 10, a full-year course. The first semester
covers microeconomics, and the second half covers macroeconomics.
Microeconomics concerns itself with firms, individuals, and the
government, whereas macroeconomics concerns itself with the
economy as a whole." |
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How
did you become interested in what you do today?
"Coming
from a developing country, you ask yourself, "Why are their
differences between nations?" That was the driving
factor." |
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The
concept of "economy" is often hard to grasp. In simple
terms, what is the economy to you?
"It's
just the interaction between consumers and sellers... and then, of
course the rules under which they can interact." |
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Do
you think studying economics is important? Who should, and why?
"Yes.
It's what you see and do everyday. Everyond should have a minimum
understanding of how the economy works because it is all around
you." |
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Can
you give a recent example of how economics has affected the world
around us?
"I
think the European Union is a good example. European countries are
coming together under one currency, and forming their own economic
block. They are trading more with eachother as well, lifting those
trade barriers." |
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Economics
places special importance in trading. Why is it so important?
"There
are some countries that are better than other countries at
producing so they should trade. Everyone then has more at a better
price." |
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How
has trade impacted the world today?
"Trade
is the beginning of financial, maybe cultural, integration. Trade
helps us learn about eachother, gain technology, and allows some
countries to catch up to others." |
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Can
you give an example of how globalization has affected the world?
"You
can see McDonald's everywhere!" |
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Do
you think globalization is a good thing? Why or why not?
"Globalization
is already happening, and you can't go back. We need to be
prepared to go forward, that's all. It's neither good nor bad,
just a fact." |
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If
you could give today's youth one piece of advice, what would it
be?
"Do
what you feel passionate about, whatever that is!" |
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