Economic illiteracy.
Economics should be taught at a basic level right from age 11. Understanding the ruules of supply, demand, a free market and a free economy are essentials to get on in the modern world. Otherwise?
You get this sort of thing. Still, it killed time while I was eating lunch.
You either believe in a free society with markets, or you want a command/control economy where everything is fair and there's no dynamism or diversity. This little socialist gets it, why can't the 'normals'? Seriously, there are some obtuse people in there. Apparently, touts are killing live music? WTF?
ETA: Link fixed. OK?
You get this sort of thing. Still, it killed time while I was eating lunch.
You either believe in a free society with markets, or you want a command/control economy where everything is fair and there's no dynamism or diversity. This little socialist gets it, why can't the 'normals'? Seriously, there are some obtuse people in there. Apparently, touts are killing live music? WTF?
ETA: Link fixed. OK?
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I studied economics as part of my degree at uni. I mostly hated it. So much superstition.
-x-
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Ah poo.
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I don't think it's a bad idea to have economics taught as part of a basic curriculum (though what to drop to make room for it?), but I'm liable to have major issues with the way it's taught. Because what are the chances of it basically ending up an indoctrination in neoclassical economic, rather than a decent introduction to political economy, market imperfections, and so-on. I know that's not how basic economics is taught at exeter, though I've heard A-level economics is a bit better (I did principle of economics in my first year, described by someone as like A-level with all the interesting bits taken out).
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My conclusion is thus: economics is generally bollocks regardless of the level it is taught at. Teach politics, history and continental critical theory to kids instead - all of which involve economics, but as part of a broader sweep. I think even treating 'economics' as a subject in its own right is to fall some way into the hands of those who treat the figure of 'homo economicus' as the very heart of society.
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But the very basics, such as demand exceeds supply, prices rise, is so basic that it should be knocked into anyone, and isn't. Link was me copying from the page instead of from the addressbar, and not checking. Me dumb.
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A basic understanding of markets is necessary to understand the way our society works - whether one agrees or disagrees with capitalism.
(Me, I think markets can explain just about everything, but then I am an accountant with an MBA... So I would, wouldn't I?)
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Of course, it could be that I lack a sufficient understanding of industrial relations to support my argument...
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Because of course only fake wealthy fans pay £80 for a £20 ticket. FFS. Wrong target of ire, again, and people fall for it every time.
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