January 01, 2012

Too Many Choices

American consumers are blessed with a multitude of choices, whether it’s finding a pair of jeans or choosing a doctor. But one expert believes we have too much choice. Then – do men really earn more than women? One of the world’s top experts on gender issues has the surprising facts.

Episode Segments:

InfoTrak: The Paradox of Choice Barry Schwartz, PhD, Dorwin Cartwright professor of social theory and social action at Swarthmore College, and author of The Paradox of Choice discussed his belief that everyday decisions have become too complex because of the overwhelming number of choices with which we are presented. He explained why too many options can be detrimental to our psychological and emotional well-being, and result in stress, anxiety and inaction.
Embed Code
InfoTrak: Why Men Earn More Warren Farrell, PhD, international expert on gender issues, and author of Why Men Earn More discussed the reasons that men usually earn more than women. His research indicates that while men’s choices lead to men earning more money, women’s choices lead to women having more satisfying lives. He also discussed the highest-paying career options for women today.
Embed Code
InfoTrak: Parents of Pregnant Teens Jayne Schooler, author of Mom, Dad…I’m Pregnant talked about the emotional challenges that arise for parents who learn that their daughter or son faces an unplanned pregnancy. She talked about how to approach the hard choices that must be made, how to overcome embarrassment or anger, and how to rebuild family relationships after the pregnancy.
Embed Code

Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Barry Schwartz Barry Schwartz is the Dorwin Cartwright Professor of Social Theory and Social Action in the psychology department at Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, where he has taught for thirty years. He is the author of several leading textbooks on the psychology of learning and memory, as well as a penetrating look at contemporary life, The Battle for Human Nature: Science, Morality, and Modern Life. Dr. Schwartz is married and has two children. Barry's Homepage

Dr. Warren Farrell Dr. Warren Farrell has been chosen by the Financial Times as one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders, and by the Center for World Spirituality (in 2011) as one of the world's spiritual leaders. His books are published in over 50 countries, and in 15 languages. They include two award-winning international best-sellers, Why Men Are The Way They Are plus The Myth of Male Power. Dr. Farrell is currently the Chair of the Commission to Create a White House Council on Boys to Men, and is co-authoring Boys to Men with John Gray (Mars/Venus). Warren Farrell’s books contribute to 12 disciplines. A book on couples communication, Women Can't Hear What Men Don't Say, was a selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club. His Father and Child Reunion has inspired many dads to be more involved with their children and helped others win custody. And Why Men Earn More: The Startling Truth Behind the Pay Gap--and What Women Can Do About It was chosen by U.S. News and World Report in 2006 as one of the top four books on careers. Warren has taught at the university level in five disciplines, and appeared on more than 1,000 TV and radio shows, from Oprah to Larry King Live . He has been featured repeatedly in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal . He has two daughters, and lives with his wife in Mill Valley, California. Dr. Farrell's website

Jayne Schooler Jayne E. Schooler is the author of four other books, including the award-winning Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child, with Betsy Keefer. A nationally known educator, writer, and speaker on family life issues, Jayne regularly conducts workshops and brings insight and empathy to audiences of both families and professionals. She holds a master's degree in life issues counseling from the Master's Graduate School of Divinity. Jayne and her husband, David, live in Dayton, Ohio. Jane's Website