Behavioral Economics Under Fire As Celebrity Scientists Accused of Fraud and 'Nudge' Politics Seen as Inadequate

Celebrity behavioral scientists like Ariely and Gino have been accused of fabricating data in numerous studies.

Behavioral economics was influential in the Obama administration's embrace of "nudges" to subtly influence behavior.

The "nudge" approach appealed to Obama since it didn't require major redistributive changes.

Mainstream outlets are now criticizing behavioral economics' focus on the personal over the systemic.

The politics of tweaks seem outdated given today's large problems like inflation and the climate crisis.