Links and quotes for June 9, 2016: The ‘Nordic paradox,’ Paris mobilizes for Brexit, and more

Nordic countries: Highest in gender equality and intimate partner violence against women – Social Science & Medicine 

The Nordic countries are the most gender equal nations in the world, but at the same time, they also have a disproportionately high rate of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. This is perplexing because logically violence against women would be expected to drop as women gained equal status in a society. A new study published in Social Science & Medicine explores this contradictory situation, which has been labeled the “Nordic paradox.” Researchers believe that gaining understanding of its underlying causes may offer important tools to help curb the worldwide public health epidemic of violence against women.

The New Backlash Against Globalization – Harold James “Is there a political equivalent to Airbnb? Could world leaders attending summits like the G7 live and work for an extended period in a foreign country? Soon after the US entered World War II, Winston Churchill famously decamped to the White House for 24 days, cementing Britain’s transatlantic alliance by deepening his relationship with Franklin Roosevelt. That level of familiarity may well be the greatest enemy of today’s anti-globalization populists.”

Is the U.S. Productivity Slowdown a Mirage? – NBER

China’s Deal Makers Have German Tech Firms in Their Sights : Chinese investors have sought to buy German companies at a rate of roughly one a week this year – WSJ

China, Commodities and Emerging Economies – On the Economy Blog

Preschool Academic Skills Improve Only When Instruction is Good to Excellent – UNC Chapel Hill

This Machine Knows Shooting Better Than Steph Curry *Physical talent still required. – Bloomberg View

Time to End the Strikes in France – NY Times Editorial Board “As Mr. Hollande said on Tuesday, there comes a point when “you must realize it’s time to stop striking.” In France, where public opinion is turning against the strikes, that point is now.”

Paris prepares red carpet for British bankers threatened by Brexit – Financial Times

London’s standing as Europe’s dominant financial centre has long been a source of irritation across the continent. Roughly a third of all euro-denominated trading currently happens in the City — even though the UK has remained resolutely outside the eurozone.

Many believe this would have to change following a Brexit, and that banks would be compelled to move jobs or even headquarters from London to the eurozone to continue trading unhindered.

HSBC said earlier this year that it would move around 20 per cent of its London workforce — about 1,000 jobs — to Paris in the event of a Brexit, saying jobs would go from the trading room and investment banking.

“Between 30-40 per cent of all euro trading happens in London,” said Stéphane Boujnah, the chief executive of Paris-based stock exchange Euronext. “This kind of anomaly would not last if there was a Brexit.” …

Still, bankers admitted to some Parisian drawbacks, notably high taxes. “Taxes on employment are much too punishing,” said Frédéric Oudéa, the chief executive of French bank Société Générale.

According to the French Banking Federation, a €300,000 salary paid in the UK costs a bank €352,740 a year after all charges are factored in. In France this same salary would cost a bank €471,799.

“The government needs to send the right messages. Lowering some social charges would be a start,” Ms Barbat-Layani said.