国際経営学部
[Faculty of Global Management] On October 25th, 2024, dr. Tomoko Utsumi from Soka University gave a lecture during the Microeconomics class (instructor: George Wang)
2024年11月18日
On October 25th, 2024, dr. Tomoko Utsumi from Soka University gave a lecture during the Microeconomics class (instructor: George Wang). Dr. Tomoko Utsumi is a highly respected academic who currently serves as the Associate Dean and Associate Professor at the Faculty of International Liberal Arts at Soka University. She has an impressive academic background, earning a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota, an M.A. in Economics from New York University, and a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Soka University of America. Dr. Utsumi’s career includes notable research positions at the World Bank, consultancy work with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT, and a role as a research officer at the Economic and Social Research Institute within the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan.
In her presentation, Dr. Utsumi explored "Analyzing Development Issues from an Applied Microeconomic Perspective," emphasizing the critical role of microeconomic analysis in tackling development challenges. She critiqued traditional economic models that often assume rational behavior, which doesn’t always reflect actual human actions. Dr. Utsumi highlighted the significance of behavioral economics, which incorporates psychological insights to better understand real-world decision-making. She provided examples, such as how present bias influences health-related choices and saving habits among low-income individuals. She also discussed practical solutions, including the use of small incentives to encourage preventive healthcare and the role of Rotating Savings and Credit Associations (ROSCAs) in helping the poor overcome barriers to saving.
Students reacted enthusiastically to Dr. Utsumi’s speech, praising her ability to link theoretical concepts with real-world development challenges. They found her examples insightful, demonstrating how small, context-driven interventions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Her exploration of behavioral economics was particularly well-received, offering a new lens for understanding economic behaviors and crafting effective policies. In the end, students left the session with a greater appreciation for the complexity and depth of economic development issues.
