Keynote

Taking Back Economics: How Social Change Movements Can Challenge Economic Orthodoxy

Fri, November 20, 2009 | 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
1-001, ETLC

Speaker: Jim Stanford

It seems like every progressive demand from social change activists quickly runs into opposition from the assumptions and conclusions of orthodox economics: “We can’t risk a deficit.” “Markets just don’t work that way.” “Free trade always works.” And above all, “There is no alternative.” To counter these standard arguments, and arm ourselves with our own arguments that change is not only possible but necessary, we all need to learn about economics.  We need to demystify this doctrine, and take it back from the so-called “experts.” In short, economics is too important to be left to the economists. This session will highlight the key themes of a progressive, activist-based approach to deconstructing and re-learning economics.

Admission: Included in registration. If not registered, keynote tickets are $15 regular and $10 low income.