ROCKING OUR PRIORS

John Burn-Murdoch (the FT's Chief Data Reporter) and I discuss gendered ideological polarisation.

- Does this hold worldwide?
- Which groups are most polarised?
- Is there a rise in hostile sexism?
- Is this due to economic frustrations or online persuasion?
- What are the possible solutions?

Read John's weekly columns at https://www.ft.com/john-burn-murdoch

The Making of the Modern Muslim State: Professor Malika Zeghal by Dr Alice Evans

Professor Jared Rubin has authored two superb books, “Rulers, Religion and Riches” and “How the World Became Rich”. He joined my podcast, to discuss:

- Why did the Middle East Fall Behind?
- What caused the shift to Scriptural Literalism?
- What explains the Rise and Decline of Sufism?
- How important was Wahhabism and Saudi Petrodollars?
- Why were Liberalising Reforms Short-Lived?
- Why has Digital Technology been More Disruptive in MENA?
- What’s Constraining Middle East Economic Growth?

Professor Agustina Paglayan has a fascinating new book: “Raised to Obey”!

She contends that mass primary education systems were primarily established to consolidate state authority and maintain social order.

But what about industrialisation, democratisation or the Protestant Reformation?

And why should education experts consider Political Economy?

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Raised-Obey-Education-Princeton-Economic/dp/069126127X/

How exactly does low fertility affect economic growth, are UN population predictions accurate, what’s driving the decline in fertility, and what can be done?

To answer these questions, I’m joined by the brilliant macro-economist, Jesús Fernández-Villaverde

Read his recent paper: The Wealth of Working Nations https://www.nber.org/papers/w31914