Dialogues économiques | AMSE | Aix-Marseille School of Economics

An online media outlet dedicated to making economics accessible, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and the general public. Dialogues économiques publishes articles, video interviews, and infographics, twice a month, providing information on a wide range of topics addressed by economic research. Available in both French and English, the content may be reproduced in its entirety, provided the authors and the source Dialogues économiques are credited (CC BY-NC-ND). Readers can subscribe to receive each new publication directly in their inbox.

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Dialogues économiques

Our Experiences Shape Our Future Choices

We make choices every day. But are our preferences fixed, or do they evolve as we experience new things? This question is explored in a recent study by economic researchers.

APRIL 29, 2025

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Dialogues économiques

Easing the burden on pension systems by investing in health

Pension systems worldwide are facing increasing strain due to rising life expectancy and improved health. A team of economists has proposed an innovative pension model linked to the health of the population, which could ease the burden on public finances.

APRIL 1, 2025

Dialogues économiques

When stress enhances cognitive abilities

Stress is often perceived as a hindrance, but a study by economists suggests that, in certain cases, it can actually boost performance. Students exposed to stressful topics—such as unemployment or the mental health consequences of the pandemic—respond by sharpening their focus and improving their performance.

MARCH 18, 2025

© J. Howard Miller — U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

Dialogues économiques

How does the past shed light on women's work?

What is the history of women's place in the workforce? By exploring the unpaid work carried out by women over the last 150 years in the United States, economists Barbara Petrongolo, Claudia Olivetti and Rachel Ngai reveal the often underestimated importance of their role.

MARCH 4, 2025

Dialogues économiques

Under the influence of our loved ones?

Who shapes our daily choices? Society, friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours? A team of economists examined how social interactions influence our decisions and what this means for public policy.

FEBRUARY 18, 2025

Dialogues économiques

Phone Scams: Can We Outsmart the Fraudsters?

Have you ever hesitated when confronted with a text message reminding you to pay an unpaid bill? Or received a message claiming to be from your bank, urging you to update your personal information? Looking at the case of Kenya, economists Elif Kubilay, Eva Raiber, Lisa Spantig, Jana Cahlíková, and Lucy Kaaria examined the ability of individuals to detect fraud attempts.

FEBRUARY 3, 2025

© CC BY-ND Albert González Farran-ONU, Darfour

Dialogues économiques

Development aid: between solidarity and self-interest

Over the last few decades, the amount of money given in development aid has increased considerably in recent decades, from 86 billion constant US dollars in 2002 to 223 billion in 2023. However, challenges associated with development persist, raising the question of aid effectiveness. Is it the size of the budgets allocated that is lacking, or is it the way in which this aid is spent? Economist Nathalie Ferrière explores the issue.

JANUARY 7, 2025

Dialogues économiques

Could applying the original Monopoly® rules help promote financial solidarity?

Could rising property prices help create a fairer society? Following in a long tradition of economic thinking, Alain Trannoy and Etienne Wasmer suggest restructuring French taxation around property: land value assets, rather than capital or labour.

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Dialogues économiques

Inequality: a question of measurement?

Tools often used around the world to measure inequality, such as the Gini index, can act in unexpected ways in certain situations. This is highlighted by economists F. A. Cowell and E. Flachaire.

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

Dialogues économiques

Sovereign Wealth Funds Still Operating Behind a Smokescreen

What do the purchase of PSG by Qatar, Beijing's influence on New York real estate, and Norway's stakes in Total have in common? These investments are from sovereign wealth funds - investment funds owned by states. Economists Jeanne Amar and Christelle Lecourt have examined the reasons why these funds might seek to have, or continue without, stricter governance.

OCTOBER 28, 2024