Teaching Case: Scissors and Shears
Initial Publication Date: November 13, 2009
Summary
This case is the transcript of the 1962 Congressional Testimony of BC Deuschle, President of the Scissors, Shears and Manicure Implement Manufacturers' Association, with regard to the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Deuschle opposes the act, fearing that reduced protection will destroy his industry. The case includes all of the classic economic and political motives for protection.
CollapseLearning Goals
This case can be used either to motivate the learning of the theory of trade and protectionism, or as an application of that theory.
Context for Use
This case is well suited to use in courses on International Trade. I use the course as motivation and teach it on the second day of the course. By the end of the discussion, students are aware that they need an analytical framework in order to assess the validity of Deuschle's arguments and explore the broader consequences of protection.
It could equally well be used after the trade theory material has been taught, as an application of that theory. It might also be well suited to courses in public policy or to political science courses on how such policy is made.
Description and Teaching Materials
Scissors and Shears Case (Acrobat (PDF) 176kB Mar5 09)
Teaching Notes and Tips
Scissors and Shears Case Teaching Notes (Acrobat (PDF) 103kB Mar5 09)
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Assessment
Because I use this case as motivation, I don't directly assess student learning from it. I have never, however, gotten to the end of the case discussion without a complete list of questions that will be answered by the theory covered in the ensuing lectures. I refer back to the case frequently during those lectures.