Should Econ 101 be part of the high school curriculum?

Question

Politically wouldn't it be better if people had a basic grasp of economics?

If people understood that it's not a zero sum game - that when people speak only in terms of the relative it's usually because what's going on in absolute terms doesn't support their conclusion - wouldn't a better-educated electorate be better?

Answer 1

Yes both macro and micro.....

Answer 2

YES! Our government would be significantly better if it was filled with Economists instead of lawyers. Economists view the world through the eye of the market. They solve problems by adjusting the market and this is far better than the lawyers perspective. Lawyers only have a strict black and white view of the world. This view is defined with punishment and absolutes. A long time ago Congress was about half economists and half lawyers. That has changed to where most people in congress have a law degree and few have a true feeling of the market and economic principals.

Example: The average company produces 100 parts of some polutant the government wants to lower to fight against air polution. The companies discharge varies from 60-200 though as stated the average is 100. The government wants to lower this amount to an average of 80.

Lawyer - Effective immediately any company producing over 80 parts of Y is shut down immediately or small fine the first time, large fine the second time and shut down forever the third time. This takes the companies that can't quickly meet this criteria and forces them to close down with a large loss of jobs and strain of the economy.

Economist - Any company producing over 75 parts pays $X per part over 75 and 2 times $X for over 100 and 4 times $X for over 125 parts. This forces the companies producing more than 75 parts to invest in technology and upgrades to lower their emissions. This creates new companies specializing in this field along with research and development to lower the emissions. These discoveries can usually be used in other industries as well. This method increases the amount of jobs and helps the economy. Some of these companies will not be able to meet the necessary criteria though they will be able to operate for a while and close down slowly or hopefully be able to meet the new criteria through technology that lowers their emissions.

If the school districts started placing more emphasis on Economics students would learn cause and effects and how the market works. This would greatly help society in several ways.

Answer 3

Yes, but the real key to an educated electorate is a civics or government class. People need to know how important it is to vote and they need to understand the way our government works with the three separate branches each checking the power of the others.

Answer 4

Isn't it? It used to be, but then Civics used to be a required class as well, and voters could sure use a refresher course in that area. I guess subjects like that have too much negative effect on our students self esteem or some other nonsense.

Answer 5

Bullseye !
If real economics were taught in high school the socialists/libs wouldn't last 10 minutes.

Answer 6

Considering what many Americans "know" from high school history, math and geography, to name a few, I don't see how this would help much.

Answer 7

You're too smart for them kid....most kids in grade 9 barely can spell their name...too much time is wasted keeping them from killing one another to focus on schools.

Answer 8

Why? Most Americans will spend their lives on the wrong side of the financial divide the "greed is God" Right has created anyway.

Answer 9

Holy crap an actually good question from you.

Yes it should be taught.

You even deserve a star.

Answer 10

There was a time when it was.

Answer 11

Yes, definately.