Why Politicians Keep Getting It So Wrong - Barry's Economics

Policymakers frequently lack the cognitive and social capacity to accurately perceive the lives of the poorest citizens, leading to flawed economic and welfare decisions. Research in neuroscience and psychology, specifically regarding the "power paradox," demonstrates that wealth and power measurably decrease empathy and the ability to read emotions in others. This issue is compounded by homophily, where decision-makers exist within narrow social circles that filter out contradictory evidence and lived experiences of hardship. While society mandates bias mitigation in fields like medicine, law, and aviation, economic policy-making remains dangerously uncalibrated. Addressing this systemic blind spot requires moving beyond traditional economic models by integrating scientific evidence into the legislative process, potentially through mechanisms like citizens' assemblies or ensuring decision-making bodies reflect the socio-economic reality of the broader population rather than a privileged minority.