I never got around to reading Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, though the idea of apply economics to everyday life intrigued me. When I saw this book using a similar take on marriage, I knew I wanted to give it a try.
Here’s the problem with most marriage books — we have to read them.
I generally start off reading and nodding my head, and then I end up putting it aside, because it’s a little dry, impractical or repetitive (or all three!).
Spousonomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage, and Dirty Dishes was different. I was pulled right in with practical advice written in a highly engaging style. I loved how the authors used economic principles — most of which were new to me, but fun to learn about — to show areas we could improve in our marriage.
The key to using economic science is that the results are often counter-intuitive. What seems to make sense isn’t always the best course, and the authors use examples — both from economics and real couples who participated in their Exhaustive, Groundbreaking, and Very Expensive Marriage Survey.
Topics include
- Division of Labor
- Loss Aversion
- Supply and Demand
- Moral Hazard
- Asymmetric Information
- Intertemporal Choice
- Game Theory
Another thing I liked about Spousonomics is that my husband might actually read it. I’m usually the one who reads marriage and parenting books, but both people really have to read them to appreciate the benefit. Whether he ends up reading it or not (I’m guessing “not”), it did open the door some fun, low-pressure discussions.
Jennifer Donovan and her finance-guy husband have been married over 18 years. She’s very happy, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. By popular demand, she avoids blogging about sensitive marital issues at her blog Snapshot.
That looks like an interesting book, I’ll have to put it on my to-read list. I think economics is fascinating, and seeing it applied to marriage sounds great.
I’ve been listening to an audio version of Predictably Irrational which I’ve been enjoying a bit more than Freakonomics (although I am not very far into it yet).
That does sound like an interesting book! This one was really fun — a great mix of an intro to economic principles and marriage advice that made me think.
I’d love for them to write a parenting book!
Yes, this is one that needs to find its way into our bathroom… so hubby and I can share reading it!! 🙂
The way it’s broken up would make that ideal 🙂