Mr. Stoudt
Economics
Response Journal
“Freakonomics”
Chapter 3 – “Why Do Drug Dealers Still
Live with Their Moms?”
 Your response journal should be set up in the following
manner
o Title of the Chapter at the top of the first page along
with Chapter Number
o Write out words and definitions.
o Each question written out and then answered in
numerical order. All responses need to be in complete
sentences. Each question may require a different
length for its respective response.
 Give the definition of the following words based on their
context in the sentences from Freakonomics Chapter 3.
(15 points)
1. quiescent (pg 80)
2. catastrophe (pg 81)
3. diametrically (pg 82)
4. callous (pg 82)
5. indignation (pg 82)
6. aberrationally (pg 84)
7. subordinates (pg 86)
8. unfettered (pg 87)
9. anomaly (pg 89)
10. extortionary (pg 91)
11. aficionados (pg 100)
12. purview (pg 100)
13. cliché (pg 101)
14. anti-racketeering laws (pg 101)
15. exacerbated (pg 104)
9/28/09
Chapter 3 – “Why Do Drug Dealers Still
Live with Their Moms?”
1. Define the term “conventional wisdom.” Use an example
to illustrate your answer? (10 points)
2. According to Levitt and Dunbar, the organizational
structure of the Black Gangster Disciple Nation is
extremely similar to that of McDonald’s. Describe the
relevant similarities between the two organizations and
explain how the organizational structure affects the
incentives workers at lower levels face. (10 points)
3. List the four factors which, according to Levitt and
Dunbar, determine a wage. In addition, explain the effect
each factor has on the wage paid to a particular type of
labor. (10 points)
4. Explain why drug dealers still live with their moms
according to Levitt. (10 points)
5. Select one or more of the main topics discussed in the
Chapter and write a one-page reflection about them. I
DO NOT want a summary; I want you to express your
opinion and views. Do you agree with Levitt’s reasoning?
If so why, if not, why not? Explain yourself. (10 points)
9/28/09