In the last ten to twenty years, there’s been a real shift in mainstream economics—both micro and macro—away from theory and toward what you might call atheoretical inductive empirical work. This is not for the better.
The Papal States offer a helpful case study in understanding the transformation of Europe in the nineteenth century. Unfortunately, Kertzer's study on the topic is couched in faulty notions of enlightenment and medievalism.
Recent legislation in California mandates more women on corporate boards. This is supposed to shift the balance in corporate America in favor of female employees and managers. It doesn't seem to be working.
