Dossier: «Rethinking the teaching of economics in universities» coordinated by Carolina HintzmannISSUE 5 (MAY 2016)

Rebellion in economics classrooms: why the neoclassical monoculture is to be ended

Abstract

Economics as an academic discipline is unique inasmuch as ever-increasing numbers of students are rebelling against the content offered by universities. Our intention with this paper is to expose the scope of the problem lying behind this discontent, addressing some of its aspects in close detail. First, the economics discipline is defined in its current state as a monoculture based on the three axiomatic principles of neoclassical economics, and through epistemic discourse, the monoculture problem is discussed in depth. Second, the lack of pluralism in current study programmes is highlighted, with the results from analyses conducted by a variety of groups focusing on universities in the United Kingdom, France and Spain. Third, the pluralism of theories, disciplines and methodologies is presented as a strategy to break with the neoclassical monoculture and to improve the education of students of economics. The paper concludes by bringing into sharp focus how pluralism in the teaching of economics is necessary not only for economics students, but for the academic world, the business world and society in general.

economics education;  economic theory;  social sciences methodology;  interdisciplinarity;  pluralism;  quality education; 

ODS

ODS ODS 8

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