The Stream

Rethinking capitalism, starting in the classroom

Economists and students call for more alternative studies in economics.

Western capitalism – it’s been blamed by its critics for financial instability, worsening climate change, and global inequality. After traditional economists were caught off guard by the last financial crisis, a growing movement is now calling on universities to add more diverse economic studies – including those that take a critical approach to free markets – into their curricula. What are the alternatives, and could a diversified study of economics help create a more just and environmentally sustainable system? Join the conversation at 1930GMT.

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 

Phil Magness @PhilWMagness
Historian
philmagness.com

Julie Matthaei @JulieMatthaei
Economics professor, Wellesley College

Keith Harrington @kharring
Activist
kickitover.org

Sebastien Gay
Economics lecturer, University of Chicago
sebastiengay.com

What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.