The Harry Potter novels may seem like a strange perspective from which to view economics. In a realm filled with magic, we might expect the economic problems that we muggles face to disappear in a puff of smoke. But even the Boy Who Lived has to come to grips with fiscal reality. Instead of divination class, Harry should have signed up to study the economics of the magical world.
He’s back! No, it isn’t Lord Voldemort. Economist Brian O’Roark reappears to offer a sequel to his look at economics in the Potterverse. Just as in a great story, wizards and muggles of all ages can discover topics not fully explored in the original. Investigate questions like who pays for a magical education, can you be unemployed in the wizarding world, and which Hogwarts teacher is most likely to be an economist.
O'Roark is a university professor of economics at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, a co-author of Essentials of Economics, author of Why Superman Doesn't Take Over The World, and editor of Superheroes and Economics.
This program is part of an occasional series called Economics+ that examines economics from unexpected and entertaining perspectives.
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