Just 19% of economists think holiday gift-giving is inefficient, survey shows
SpencrGreenberg · x · 2026-10-05
Continuing his economist-survey thread, Spencer Greenberg highlights issues where experts were split or contrarian:
- Holiday gifts: You'd expect economists to view gift-giving as inefficient versus cash, but only 19% agreed while 58% disagreed.
- Stadium subsidies: In 2017, 80% agreed that state and local subsidies for pro sports stadiums likely cost taxpayers more than the local economic benefits generated — just 1 of 30 disagreed.
The data illustrates how expert consensus varies dramatically by topic, from near-unanimity to broad contrarianism.
Related event: Economists' Survey: Most Don't Think Gift-Giving Is Inefficient(3 posts)→
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