People I (Mostly) Admire 17. Emily Oster: “I Am a Woman Who Is Prominently Discussing Vaginas.”
Feb 27, 2021
Emily Oster, a Brown University economist and best-selling author, is known for her data-driven insights on pregnancy and child-rearing. She shares her journey from academic to advocate during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of reopening schools backed by data. The conversation dives into parenting myths, such as whether coffee is harmful during pregnancy, and the emotional toll of remote learning on children. Oster also tackles gender bias in research and the need for open discussions about women's health issues, breaking societal taboos.
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Decision-Making Framework
- For better decision-making, frame questions with concrete alternatives, not just "or not".
- Make a final decision and move forward instead of constantly reevaluating.
School Transmission Rates
- Emily Oster's COVID-19 school data collection revealed lower transmission rates than expected.
- Teacher infection rates are higher, possibly due to age, but still lower than many other professions.
Advocacy for Reopening
- Oster advocates for school reopening based on low transmission rates and high costs of remote learning.
- Learning loss, emotional struggles, and other issues make remote learning unsustainable.
