Money Talks: The Economics of Repugnant Transactions
Summary
Felix Salmon interviews economist Alvin Roth about his book *Moral Economics, exploring "repugnant markets" like same-sex marriage, prostitution, and organ sales. Roth argues that banning transactions often drives them underground, making them more dangerous, as seen in kidney exchange and plasma donation. He advocates for regulated markets to improve safety and access, challenging moral objections to controversial but beneficial economic activities.
Topics discussed
Introduction and sponsor ads
Defining repugnant markets and same-sex marriage history
Indentured servitude vs. modern labor contracts
Kidney exchange programs and international cooperation
Opposition to organ donation and WHO policies
Sponsor ads and break
Blood plasma donation and global supply chains
Iran's kidney market and drug legalization debates
Prostitution legalization and safety experiments
Surrogacy laws and natural experiments in states
Conclusion and closing remarks
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