Here's what economists think is funny

If you're in Boston this weekend, skip the comedy clubs and swing by the funniest show in town: the Allied Social Science Association's conference.

Well, okay, the whole conference won't be a madcap romp (unless you're really into macroprudential and exchange rate policies), but on Sunday night, they are holding the 7th Annual Economics Humor Session. It features joke papers and presentations from attendees, including maybe the most cleverly named economics paper in recent memory.

(Source: American Economics Association)

As with any good economists, the Goodmans end their paper with ideas for future research: "We encourage cousins Erzo F.P. Luttmer (Dartmouth College) and Erzo G.J. Luttmer (University of Minnesota) to consider collaborating for reasons too obvious to state. This area seems ripe for exploration."

The shenanigans don't end there; other presentations include "Homer-Economicus: The Simpsons and Economics" and "Rockonomix: Integrating Economics and Popular Music" — which features something called The Instrumental Variables (which we're assuming/hoping is a face-melting rock band of economists).

Seriously, go. Then report back to us.

[h/t John Overholt]

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