economy
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.