People and Numbers

I write a regular column in Ha'aretz (Israel’s most influential newspaper) on how various social-economic phenomena unfold in the real world. In this page, you can find English translations of my writings.

Year Abroad Reflections: Insights into Israel's Social Dynamics

Ofer Setty

Sep 21, 2023

Year Abroad Reflections: Insights into Israel's Social Dynamics

Note: this post was submitted to Ha'aretz just before the October 7 war but never got published there. After a year of enjoying the charm...

The little mermaid: a tale of consumption and social growth

Ofer Setty

Jun 19, 2023

The little mermaid: a tale of consumption and social growth

This week, I went with my family to see the new version of Disney's "The Little Mermaid." It's only fitting, given the fact that we live...

The elephant in the room: Social Inequality

Ofer Setty

Mar 12, 2023

The elephant in the room: Social Inequality

Years of focusing on GDP growth at the expense of other important goals have led to the destruction of long-term cohesion A few weeks...

Three observations on food, society and money in Denmark

Ofer Setty

Dec 16, 2022

Three observations on food, society and money in Denmark

I haven't visited the award-winning restaurants of Copenhagen, but interesting things happen in the more popular arena as well and they...

Trust is a resource. In Denmark, they even know how to use it to reduce prices

Ofer Setty

Oct 11, 2022

Trust is a resource. In Denmark, they even know how to use it to reduce prices

In the weeks leading up to winter, the Danes hold yard sales where you can find clothes, toys, tools and more. One of the most prominent...