Economic imperialism (sometimes economics imperialism[1]) in contemporary economics refers to economic analysis of seemingly non-economic aspects of life,[2][3][4] such as crime,[5][6] law,[7][8][9] irrational behavior, the family,[10][11][12] prejudice,[13] politics,[14] sociology,[15][16]culture, [17][18][19] religion,[20][21] tastes,[22] war,[23] and science and research.[24] Its emergence has been attributed to a methodology that, like that of the physical sciences, permits refutable implications testable by standard statistical techniques. Common elements include the postulates of stable preferences and rational equilibrating behavior. These elements, earlier ignored by other social sciences, are used to stake out new intellectual terrain. A focus on economic efficiency has permitted examination of distinctively practical questions.[25][26]
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