In a recent Marketplace Economic Pulse series, Clara Mattei, a professor at the University of Tulsa and director of the Centre for Heterodox Economics, argues for a fresh perspective on economics. She believes traditional economic frameworks often obscure real-world issues by relying on abstract indicators. Mattei emphasises the importance of centring people’s experiences in economic discussions, challenging the notion of economics as a hard science, which tends to reinforce exclusion from decision-making.
Mattei’s approach seeks to bridge the gap between economic indicators that suggest stability and the lived experiences of individuals who feel economically disenfranchised. She points out the need for tools that address economic injustices directly, contending that economic studies should be informed by real-life experiences, thus empowering individuals to better engage in economic systems.
The professor acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, given that calls for reform in economics have echoed since the financial crisis in 2008-2009. She views the establishment of the Centre as a courageous step towards fostering innovative scholarship in the field. Mattei envisions collaborations that could inspire a broader movement, emphasising that the fight for reform is not just academic but deeply political, reliant on institutional support and resources.
Clara Mattei proposes a reimagined economics that focuses on human experiences rather than abstract indicators. By centering people’s realities, she aims to confront economic injustices and empower individuals. The new Centre for Heterodox Economics at the University of Tulsa aspires to innovate the academic approach to economics, challenging traditional models that exclude broader societal input. Mattei acknowledges the political nature of this task, advocating for institutional support to foster meaningful change.
Clara Mattei advocates for a transformative approach to economics that prioritises human experiences over abstract models. By ensuring that economic analysis reflects people’s realities, she aims to empower individuals and address societal injustices. The success of this shift hinges on institutional support and a collective effort to make economics more inclusive and representative of diverse experiences.
Original Source: www.marketplace.org
