In this episode of *The Economics of Everyday Things*, the focus is on the economic aspects of highway signs and prison labor in the United States. It begins by examining how highway signs are designed and manufactured, emphasizing the use of specific fonts, colors—like green for better visibility—and durable materials to ensure they are easy to read and long-lasting. The discussion then transitions to the role of incarcerated individuals in producing these signs and various other products. This system significantly lowers production costs for both state governments and private companies. The episode explores the stark contrast between the meager wages and lack of protections for these workers and the potential advantages, such as the job skills they acquire and the occasional success stories of employment after release.
