Getting lost in a field: a personal history in behavioural public policy
LSE: Public lectures and events
Deep Dive
What is behavioral public policy and how did it originate at the LSE?
Behavioral public policy (BPP) is a subfield of public policy that applies behavioral insights to policy discussions. It originated at the London School of Economics (LSE) in 2010 when Julian Le Grand, with the help of Adam Oliver, developed a postgraduate course. The term 'behavioral public policy' was coined during a departmental meeting, and the name stuck. The field has since expanded, including the founding of a journal and an annual international conference.
Why did Adam Oliver become interested in behavioral economics and policy?
Adam Oliver's interest in behavioral economics began during his undergraduate studies when he was taught by Bob Sugden, a leading figure in the field. Sugden's enthusiasm for the subject inspired Oliver, who later pursued postgraduate studies in health economics at the University of York, where he was taught by other prominent experimental economists. His interest deepened during a fellowship in Japan, where he had the freedom to explore behavioral economics literature extensively.
What role did the 2008 financial crisis play in the rise of behavioral economics in policy?
The 2008 financial crisis led to a search for alternative economic models, as many believed neoclassical economics had contributed to the crisis. Behavioral economics emerged as a prominent alternative. Additionally, the publication of 'Nudge' by Cass Sunstein and Richard Thaler in 2008 gained traction among policymakers, offering cost-effective solutions at a time when public budgets were strained. This confluence of events accelerated the adoption of behavioral insights in policy.
What are Adam Oliver's views on paternalistic frameworks in behavioral public policy?
Adam Oliver is critical of paternalistic frameworks in behavioral public policy, which involve manipulating or coercing individuals for their own good. He advocates for a more liberal approach that respects individual autonomy, emphasizing education and open persuasion rather than covert manipulation. He believes that interventions should focus on preventing harms to others rather than imposing lifestyle changes on individuals.
How does Adam Oliver propose to address the challenges of climate change through behavioral public policy?
Adam Oliver argues that behavioral public policy should focus on the supply side rather than individual behaviors when addressing climate change. He believes that tackling the supply side, such as regulating industries that contribute to environmental harm, would be more effective and ethically defensible than attempting to change individual behaviors, which is notoriously difficult.
What is the significance of the International Behavioral Public Policy Association?
The International Behavioral Public Policy Association (IBPPA) serves as a cornerstone for the field of behavioral public policy. It oversees various events, including an annual lecture series, virtual seminars, and workshops, aimed at fostering a community of academics and policymakers. The association helps to link and coordinate efforts across the globe, promoting the development and application of behavioral insights in public policy.
What are the key components of autonomy according to Joseph Raz?
Joseph Raz, in his book 'The Morality of Freedom,' outlines three key components of autonomy: appropriate mental abilities, an adequate range of options, and independence. Appropriate mental abilities refer to the capacity to make reasoned decisions, an adequate range of options means having meaningful choices, and independence involves freedom from coercion or manipulation. These components form the basis for understanding and preserving individual autonomy in behavioral public policy.
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