Economics of Social Issues

This thesis deals with the analysis of various social issues from an economic perspective. Chapter one looks at the issue of gun crime from a game theoretical perspective, analysing the differing effects of concealed carry of handguns and open carry of handguns on the number of crimes committed. It is found that open carry only laws lead to fewer crimes than concealed carry only laws. In states where both types of carry are permitted, attitudes in favour of firearms are shown to increase carry rates and lower crime. Chapter two deals with the topic of suicide and mental health issues, examining empirically the effect of various economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), unemployment and working hours on the suicide rate and the depression rate. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions show that a higher GDP is associated with lower rates of both suicide and depression. Chapter three is a theoretical paper which analyses the effect of corporate donations on the policy position of political parties. It is found that with a small minority supporting donors’ positions, donations can have a large effect on policy positions. Under certain circumstances, parties can collude on policy position, at the expense of voters, to gain more donations.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

National University of Ireland Maynooth

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Farrell, Hugh

Language dc:language

en