The Economists of Tomorrow: the Case for a Pluralist Subject Benchmark Statement for Economics

Abstract

This paper, on behalf of the UK-based Association for Heterodox Economists (AHE), argues for a reformulation of the Subject Benchmark Statement for Economics (SBSE) on pluralist principles. Pluralism - the capacity to examine critically a range of explanations for observed reality - should be the primary required outcome of economics education. Specific provisions should recognise, promote, defend and guarantee this good practice in teaching and assessment alike. Such a revision, it argues, is the appropriate response to widespread criticism of economics, to which the monotheoretic character of its practice has laid the profession open, following the recession which began early in 2008.