What Is an Economic Life? Black Feminist Economics in a High School Economics Class

• In Event: Inquiry With Youth in Pursuit of Truth

Abstract

In this study, we present the results of a unit plan designed to teach Black Social Economics (BSE) in a 12th grade economics class. Drawing on perspectives of Black Feminism and BSE, we use self study to reflect on our plan and approach. We find that BSE allows for the centering of student lives and experiences, Black Feminism promotes an intersectional approach to economics education that is humanizing, and that BSE necessarily drives a more integrative approach to social studies education. These findings challenge traditional assumptions about economics education and promote a more inclusive, integrative, approach for social studies teachers and teacher educators that truly builds on students’ economic lives.

Authors

• Neil Shanks, Baylor University
  Presenting Author

• Karynecia E. Conner, Baylor University
  Presenting Author

• Delandrea Hall, Georgia Southern University
  Presenting Author