Jasmine is an Academic Scholar in the Lower Sixth. She is studying Economics, Maths and Spanish at A-Level and is working towards her Extended Project Qualification. Here she tells us about the book she is currently reading.

The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford

An aptly titled book, 'The Undercover Economist' reveals the stark reality of how our world is significantly influenced by economic concepts. This involves making small-scale decisions such as getting a cup of coffee to larger-scale ones that can impact global economies. Reading this has felt like looking through my world with the eyes of a detective.

Tim Harford writes in a very engaging style, using satire and humour to unwrap some sneaky secrets about supermarket tactics. For instance, how they conveniently place the higher-priced pack of crisps on the top shelf, whilst leaving an identical but cheaper pack on the bottom shelf where they can't be seen as well!

What I also found intriguing, is how companies play on the fear of scarcity to influence our decision making. A classic example is spending money in places one usually wouldn’t, due to a lack of options. Harford explains how buying coffee in tube stations, is more expensive than areas with a variety of choices. The underlying notion for this is the profit motive.

I enjoy studying Economics because it is a versatile subject. It offers opportunities to pursue a vast range of careers in either finance, marketing or business management (to name a few!). Thus far, I’ve really enjoyed seeing concepts learnt in class applied to my everyday life.