Steven Levitt

Steven Levitt is a prominent American economist known for his work in the field of economics and his collaboration with Stephen Dubner on the bestselling book Freakonomics. He is currently a professor of economics at the University of Chicago and a fellow at the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Levitt's research has been widely cited and has appeared in numerous publications, including the Journal of Economic Perspectives, Quarterly Journal of Economics, and American Economic Review. His work has also been featured in various media outlets, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and National Public Radio.

● Early Life and Education

Levitt was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City and later enrolled at Harvard University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1989. Levitt then pursued his graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning his Ph.D. in economics in 1994 under the supervision of Daniel Kahneman and Joshua Angrist. During his time at MIT, Levitt was also affiliated with the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Sloan Foundation.

● Career

Levitt began his academic career as an assistant professor of economics at the University of Chicago in 1997, where he has remained ever since. He has also held visiting positions at Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Levitt's research has been supported by various organizations, including the National Science Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. He has also served as a consultant for several institutions, including the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the World Bank.

● Research and Publications

Levitt's research has focused on a wide range of topics, including crime, education, politics, and sports. He has published numerous papers in top-tier academic journals, such as the Journal of Political Economy, Review of Economic Studies, and Econometrica. Levitt's work has also been featured in popular publications, including The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Slate (magazine). Some of his notable research collaborations include work with Sara Heller on the Chicago Police Department and with Roland Fryer on the No Child Left Behind Act. Levitt has also written about the 2008 financial crisis and its impact on the United States economy, as well as the Great Recession and its effects on unemployment and income inequality.

● Awards and Honors

Levitt has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of economics. He was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal in 2003, which is given to the most promising economist under the age of 40. Levitt has also received the National Science Foundation's CAREER Award and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Research Fellowship. In 2006, he was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Econometric Society. Levitt has also been recognized for his teaching and mentoring, receiving the University of Chicago's Llewellyn John and Harriet Manchester Quantrell Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

● Criticisms and Controversies

Levitt's work has not been without controversy, with some critics arguing that his research methods and conclusions are flawed. For example, his paper on the link between abortion and crime was criticized by John Donohue and Justin Wolfers for its methodology and interpretation of results. Levitt has also been criticized for his views on climate change and his skepticism of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's findings. Additionally, his work on education and teacher quality has been disputed by Diane Ravitch and other education scholars.

● Popular Works

Levitt is perhaps best known for his collaboration with Stephen Dubner on the bestselling book Freakonomics, which applies economic principles to a wide range of unconventional topics, including crime, education, and parenting. The book has been translated into over 35 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. Levitt and Dubner have also written several follow-up books, including SuperFreakonomics and Think Like a Freak. Their work has been featured in various media outlets, including The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, and National Public Radio. Levitt has also been a frequent guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News Channel. Category:Economists