And Lastly—Concluding Comments

Lester Hadsell ()
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Lester Hadsell: University at Albany, State University of New York, Economics

Chapter 20 in Social Economies, 2026, pp 319-324 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract James Thurber once said that it’s better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. Social Economics has been about asking questions—along with providing some answers from recent research in economics and related disciplines. Which of course only leads to more questions. This book has also been about context, with an overarching argument that too narrow a view of economies leads to a myopia that harms the economy, individuals, society, and our environment. Multiple perspectives are to be welcomed, as they increase our understanding of economies and their impacts on other facets of life. Economies are social constructs, best examined with insights from a variety of disciplines, enriching our understanding of the economic choices we make as individuals and collectively as a society. A broader perspective also helps us ask better questions. Our goals reflect our values. Recognizing the origins of individual and societal preferences—for growth vs sustainability, or efficiency vs equity, for example—and that each goal has an opportunity cost, allows us to better appreciate views of others and make better choices together. This chapter recaps some of the major elements of this book, focusing on major choices we will make regarding the direction our economy and lives take.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-21916-9_20

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