Race and Economics: A Content Analysis of the Voluntary National Content Standards in Economics

• In Event: 75.055 - Issues of Race and the Social Studies

Abstract

This paper examines the Voluntary National Content Standards for Economics for evidence of race-related themes. Utilizing the conceptual framework of Critical Race Theory (Ladson-Billings, 2003), and economic stratification theory (Darity, 2005) applied within the context of economic education, the author conducted a content analysis of the first and second editions of the Voluntary National Content Standards for Economics (Council for Economic Education, 2010; NCEE, 1997) for presence and prevalence of language referring to race, race relations, racism, and other race-related issues. Initial findings suggests the standards are inattentive to issues of race, and intentionally reinforce dominant narratives within economics education that diminish the importance of race in the development, design, and implementation of economics standards and curricula.

Author

• Shakealia Yvette Finley, Georgia Perimeter College