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Welcome to the website of Economics Uncut, a book that applies principles of microeconomics to unusual settings to inspire students, teachers and scholars alike in the ‘dismal science’. On the menu located on the right-hand side of this page, you will find excerpts from each section of the book. ‘Sins and Needles’ examines the economics of drug addiction, drug prohibition and drug liberalization; ‘Guns and Roses’ looks at the contribution economists can make to understanding crime as well as marriage and divorce; ‘Body and Soul’ investigates the economics of pornography, prostitution, suicide and religion; ‘Conception and Rejection’ explores the controversial economics of assisted reproduction and abortion; and ‘Fun and Games’ considers the economics of sport, gambling and music.


I put together this book for two reasons. First, to illustrate how economics can be used to promote our understanding of a broad range of human behaviour. Second, to establish that with every issue of society, the economist has a right to speak and can do so usefully. I hope also that you find it entertaining.
-Simon W. Bowmaker