Question
The book "Freakonomics" by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner provides several examples of understanding incentives. Here are a few:
1. The case of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation: This gang operates like a corporation, with a strict hierarchy and controlled distribution of profits. The foot soldiers, despite earning very little, are incentivized by the hope of one day becoming rich and powerful. This is an example of a "winner-take-all" labor market.
2. The case of cheating sumo wrestlers: Sumo wrestlers are incentivized to cheat because of the ranking system. A wrestler on the verge of demotion has a strong incentive to win his last match, and his opponent, if he's safe in his ranking, has little to lose. This creates a situation ripe for collusion.
3. The case of real estate agents: Agents have an incentive to sell houses quickly rather than for the highest price because the difference in their commission is minimal. This is an example of misaligned incentives between agents and their clients.
Remember, incentives are not always monetary. They can also be social, moral, or coercive. Understanding incentives can help explain why people behave the way they do.
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The author examines the history of the crack epidemic in the United States using the example of one gang, the Black Gangster Disciple Nation, explaining its hierarchy and how profits are distributed. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone gets rich from selling drugs. Rather, the gangs are a lot like corporations such as McDonald's, with a strict hierarchy and close control of the distribution of profits. The top boss, a dealer named J.T., made over $100,000 a year. His 'employees,' the foot soldiers who risked their lives selling on the streets, made very little. However, the foot soldiers were willing to take this risk in the hope that they, too, might one day become rich and powerful. Levitt calls this a "winner-take-all" labor market.
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