Economic imperialism

Economics is not only a social science, it is a genuine science. Like the p hysical sciences, economics uses a methodology that produces refutable impl ications and tests these implications using solid statistical techniques. I n particular, economics stresses three factors that distinguish it from oth er social sciences. Economists use the construct of rational individuals wh o engage in maximizing behavior. Economic models adhere strictly to the imp ortance of equilibrium as part of any theory. Finally, a focus on efficienc y leads economists to ask questions that other social sciences ignore. Thes e ingredients have allowed economics to invade intellectual territory that was previously deemed to be outside the discipline's realm.