Skip to content
TrackPodcasts
scienceNov 19, 20241:01:27pending

Prison Gangs and Governance: David Skarbek

About this episode

Send us Fan Mail

Curious about how the world of prison economics operates? Get ready to uncover a hidden universe with our guest, David Skarbek, a leading voice in political economy. David takes us on a captivating journey from his early days in construction to his groundbreaking research at George Mason University, where he was inspired to explore the economics of unconventional spaces. His insights reveal the sophisticated systems of governance designed by prison gangs to maintain order and manage illicit economies. Whether you're fascinated by how these groups mimic pirate crews or intrigued by their ability to regulate harm in a high-stakes environment, this episode promises to reshape your understanding of extra-legal cooperation.

David Skarbek, Michael Targoff Professor of Political Economy at Brown University.

David Skarbek's Amazon Author Page

Book'o'da'Month:  Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's Doomed Campaign  – Crown Publishers, April 18, 2017. by Jonathan Allen  Amie Parnes.

Club Random: Bill Maher talks to William Shatner

If you have questions or comments, or want to suggest a future topic, email the show at [email protected] !


You can follow Mike Munger on Twitter at @mungowitz 


Get every episode summarized

Each time The Answer Is Transaction Costs publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.

Email me new episodes

Free for 3 shows. No card needed.

Hosts & guests

No transcript yet

This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.

Prison Gangs and Governance: David Skarbek

The Answer Is Transaction Costs

0:00
1:01:27

More episodes

More from The Answer Is Transaction Costs

View all episodes →