Do Sin Taxes Actually Work?
Episode Description
EPISODE OVERVIEW The Wharton School Professor Ben Lockwood joins host Dan Loney to discuss "sin taxes" and their efficacy in curbing "sin" behaviors, like soda consumption. Lockwood remarks that in cases where taxes successfully curb behavior, they concurrently fail to generate revenue for a city.
PODCAST OVERVIEW Every day, business scholars answer pressing questions in their research - but what do their insights mean for you? In this podcast, Wharton faculty dive into what inspired their studies and how their findings resonate with the world today. Learn how research insights translate into knowledge you can use, with host Dan Loney.
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Brief Summary
Ben Lockwood discusses the impact of Philadelphia's soda tax on purchasing behavior and public health outcomes.
Key points
- The Ripple Effect Podcast. Explore the minds of Wharton faculty and their groundbreaking research.
- Impact of Sin Taxes. Ben Lockwood discusses how sin taxes influence consumer behavior and public health.
- Behavioral Economics Insights. Small price changes can significantly alter purchasing habits, according to Ben Lockwood.
Ask about Knowledge at Wharton
Episode highlights
- The Ripple Effect PodcastExplore the minds of Wharton faculty and their groundbreaking research.“Welcome to The Ripple Effect, the podcast that takes you on a journey through the minds of Wharton faculty.”0:32Mar 18, 2025
- Impact of Sin TaxesBen Lockwood discusses how sin taxes influence consumer behavior and public health.“Do these sin taxes actually impact the public's thought process?”0:58Mar 18, 2025
- Behavioral Economics InsightsSmall price changes can significantly alter purchasing habits, according to Ben Lockwood.“Even small price changes create changes in how much people purchase.”6:08Mar 18, 2025





