economy
February 10, 2026
Rethinking Economics, the movement changing how the subject is taught
Born of student disquiet after the 2008 crash, the group says it is reshaping economists’ education
TL;DR
- Rethinking Economics emerged from student dissatisfaction with economics education following the 2008 financial crisis.
- The organization aims to broaden the economics syllabus to be more pluralistic, critical, decolonised, and historically grounded.
- Since its inception in 2013, Rethinking Economics has grown to include thousands of members in over 40 countries.
- The movement has influenced curriculum reforms at numerous universities globally, including major programme changes.
- Examples of reforms include new courses and interdisciplinary programmes at institutions like Goldsmiths, University of London, University of Lille, and Leiden University.
- In South Africa, the campaign is linked to broader student protests for greater access to higher education and critiques of the academic system's colonial outlook.
- Academics welcome the movement's challenge to traditional economic thinking, advocating for an economics that prioritizes societal needs over profit.
- Rethinking Economics encourages collaboration among students, academics, activists, and others to foster diverse perspectives on economic issues.
Continue reading the original article