Edible Economics

Edible Economics by Ha-Joon Chang creatively delves into complex economic theories by drawing parallels between economics and the culinary world. In this captivating book, Chang challenges the prevailing free market philosophy that has dominated global economic discourse for decades. He argues that just as a diversified diet is essential for a healthy body, a variety of economic perspectives is crucial for a balanced understanding of the world.

Through an innovative blend of economic analysis and tantalising food stories, Chang makes difficult economic concepts more accessible. Each chapter takes a familiar food item and uses its history, cultural significance, and method of preparation as an allegory to explain economic principles. From chocolate, which offers fascinating insights into post-industrial knowledge economies, to okra in Southern gumbo, symbolising capitalism’s intricate relationship with freedom and oppression, Chang makes economics not only digestible but also enjoyable.

Beyond these engaging narratives, Chang explores some of the most pressing issues of our time. Topics such as globalisation, climate change, immigration, austerity, and automation are discussed with clarity and wit. He takes a closer look at the hidden costs of care work and debunks the misleading language often used by proponents of the free market, all while sharing recipes for dishes like anchovy and egg toast, Gambas al Ajillo, and Korean dotori mook.

Edible Economics is not just a book for economists or food enthusiasts; it’s for anyone curious about the world around them. Chang’s myth-busting, witty, and thought-provoking narrative shows that understanding economics is akin to learning a recipe: it can be improved and adapted. By illustrating that economic ideas affect every aspect of our daily lives, he empowers readers to grasp the potential for change and the impact their understanding can have on the world.