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Showing posts with the label Economics

Breaking Chains: 7 Ways to Free Yourself from Exploitation

  Breaking Chains: 7 Ways to Free Yourself from Exploitation Breaking Chains: 7 Ways to Free Yourself from Exploitation In a world where gig platforms promise “anytime income” but too often deliver precarity, and where public-sector jobs vanish under automation, reclaiming your freedom means more than just finding a new job—it means rewriting the rules of your own work. Here’s how. 1. Know Your Rights—and Demand Them Ignorance of rights leaves workers vulnerable. From the factory floor to online micro-task sites, always research local labor laws and platform policies. Join or form peer groups that share tips on navigating contracts and reporting abuses. When garment workers at Lesotho’s Hippo Knitting factory spoke out, their courage forced Fabletics to suspend operations and launch an investigation 2. 2. Build a Support Network No one escapes exploitation alone. Survivor-centered programs—like Free the Slaves’ mentorship for women...

Resilience on the Brink: Navigating Sub-Saharan Africa’s “Recovery Interrupted"

  Resilience on the Brink: Navigating Sub-Saharan Africa’s “Recovery Interrupted” Resilience on the Brink: Navigating Sub-Saharan Africa’s “Recovery Interrupted” Sources: IMF Regional Economic Outlook, April 2025 [1] , Reuters, 25 Apr 2025 [2] Executive Summary Sub-Saharan Africa’s nascent rebound (4.0 % growth in 2024) has been derailed by rising global borrowing costs, weaker demand, and softer commodity prices [1] . Growth is now forecast at 3.8 % in 2025—a downward revision from 4.2 %—with large divergences between oil exporters and diversified economies [2] . The IMF highlights three pillars to restore momentum: (1) domestic revenue mobilization, (2) prudent macro-fiscal management, and (3) deep structural reforms [1] . 1. Introduction: From Hard-Won Gains to New Headwinds After four years of navigating the pandemic shock and commodity bust, Sub-Saharan Africa achieved stronger macro stability—headline inflation fell to a medi...

Ancient Jewish Economic Thought: Lessons for Today's Competitive World

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Ancient Jewish Economic Thought: Lessons for Today's Competitive World Ancient Jewish Economic Thought: Lessons for Today's Competitive World In an era characterized by intense competition, individualism, and moral ambiguity, revisiting ancient wisdom can provide invaluable insights. Ancient Jewish economic thought, rooted in ethical monotheism and communal responsibility, offers principles that remain relevant for addressing contemporary societal challenges. 1. The Divine Image and Human Creativity The foundational belief that humans are created in the image of God ( Genesis 1:27 ) implies that individuals are endowed with creativity and responsibility. This perspective encourages productive labor and innovation, viewing work as a form of divine partnership. The Talmud emphasizes that one who benefits from their own labor is esteemed, highlighting the value placed on self-reliance and industriousness. 2. Sanctity of Private Property and Eth...

The Role of Behavioral Economics in Consumer Spending

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  The Role of Behavioral Economics in Consumer Spending Desalegn Terecha The Role of Behavioral Economics in Consumer Spending Consumer spending is a crucial driver of economic growth and plays a pivotal role in shaping market trends. Traditional economic theory assumes that consumers make rational decisions based on available information and their preferences. However, the field of behavioral economics challenges this assumption, suggesting that psychological factors significantly influence consumer behavior and economic decisions. In this article, we will explore how psychological factors such as biases, emotions, and social influences shape consumer spending patterns. Understanding these factors can provide valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike. What is Behavioral Economics? Behavioral economics is a field that blends psychology and economics to study how emotional, cognitive, and social ...

Understanding Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and 2025 Country Rankings

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Understanding Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and 2025 Country Rankings Understanding Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and 2025 Country Rankings By Desalegn Terecha Have you ever wondered why a cup of coffee costs less than a dollar in Ethiopia but over $5 in some U.S. cities? Or why your money can stretch further in some countries than others? These differences in cost of living across the globe are what Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) helps explain. In today’s global economy, understanding how much your money can buy in different countries isn’t just useful for travelers and economists—it’s critical for businesses, investors, and policymakers alike. This article explores what PPP really is, how it's measured, and how countries stack up globally in 2025 using this metric. What is Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)? Purchasing Power Parity is an economic theory and a practical tool that compares the relative value of currencies based on what ...