Who Gets What-and Why

From the winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, a &quote;fluent and accessible&quote; guide to understanding matching markets (Economist.com).&quote;An exciting practical approach to economics that enables both individuals and institutions to achieve their goals without running afoul of the profit motive.&quote; -Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Most of the study of economics deals with commodity markets, where the price of a good connects sellers and buyers. But what about other kinds of &quote;goods,&quote; like a spot in the Yale freshman class or a position at Google? If you've ever sought a job or hired someone, applied to college or guided your child into a good kindergarten, asked someone out on a date or been asked out, you've participated in a kind of market. This is the territory of matching markets, where &quote;sellers&quote; and &quote;buyers&quote; must choose each other, and price isn't the only factor determining who gets what.In Who Gets What-and Why, Nobel laureate Alvin E. Roth reveals the matching markets hidden around us and shows us how to recognize a good match and make smarter, more confident decisions.&quote;In this fascinating, often surprising book, Alvin Roth guides us through the jungles of modern life, pointing to the many markets that are hidden in plain view all around us.&quote; -Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational and The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty&quote;Mr. Roth's work has been to discover the most efficient and equitable methods of matching, and implement them in the world. He writes with verve and style . . . Who Gets What-and Why is a pleasure to read.&quote; -Wall Street Journal &quote;A book filled with wit, charm, common sense, and uncommon wisdom.&quote; -Paul Milgrom, professor of economics, Stanford University and Stanford Business School