TOW #7, Freakonomics 2nd Half

In the second half of Stephen J. Dubner and Steven B. Levitt's Freakonomics, the authors continue their pursuit of applying statistics and mathematical modeling techniques in novel ways to discover the surprising underpinnings of our society. While the variation among chapter topics continues, with the later chapters incorporating such topics as plummeting crime rates in major American cities, the impact of parent behavior on child success, and the science behind why parent's tend to give their children certain types of names over others (long vs. short, number of consonants, etc.) and what impact this has on children's likelihood to succeed. As I mentioned in my previous TOW post about this book, the authors collective purpose is a simple one: to provide the general public with a logical and surprising view of the world we (think) we know so well. In accomplishing this mission, the authors continue to weave elaborate and unexpected connections between aspects of the modern world that would appear unrelated at first glance.

In approaching a topic of such a blizzard nature, the authors make use of continually applied ethos, as an effective way to clarify to the audience that their initially far fetched claims are in fact, plausible. Both of the authors are accomplished in their field, with each holding a doctorate in economics, and one being a well-known author on similar topics. To effectively use these accreditations to their advantage, the authors make frequent direct and indirect allusions to past work of theirs, and experience in the educational aspects of their fields.

It can be assumed, based on the low technical level of the authors' writing, that this book was only intended to brief the general public on the novel applications of data analysis, and provide a conversational level of understanding to the reader. In this sense, the book wholly succeeds. This is the case because Freakonomics does a tremendous amount to both interest the reader in novel data analysis, and intrigue the reader with the larger social implications of data analysis. It does this through low-level data examination of intriguing, unusual examples, in such a way that manages to inform, and entertain the reader.

In concluding this imaginative, thought-provoking text, the authors provide a final insight that effectively leaves the reader with an idea to dwell on, until they inevitably pick up the book's sequel shortly after finishing it. On the book's final page, the authors consider the perceived cycle among wealthy parents to choose unique names for their children, leading to the popularity of these names, until they are passed down to the lower classes, and the cycle repeats itself. In examining this pattern, they conclude by asking the reader to perhaps consider which other cycle and patterns exist in our society that have yet to be discovered and analyzed properly. This is an effective way to conclude the book, as the reader will carry this question with them, and perhaps modify their behavior as a result. In this way, the book, and it's message, extend beyond the pages, and remain with the reader.