International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education (9 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The Role of a Pluralistic Curriculum in Enhancing Financial Inclusion  
  by Mukul Bhatnagar, Sanjay Taneja, Zelhuda Shamsuddin, Archana Dwivedi 
  Abstract: This paper investigates the complex web of relationships between cultural awareness, student views of the influences of their learning, and economic participation. The study statistically evaluates and interpret data collected from 320 respondents. The findings strongly support the importance of cultural sensitivity as mediators between pluralistic curriculum in schools and financial inclusion. These elements are vital connectors, supporting and improving the road from varied pedagogical materials to broadened financial knowledge and behaviour (financial inclusion). This paper highlights the critical importance of prioritising these factors in the curriculum, providing the framework for a more financially inclusive and fair society.
  Keywords: pluralism; pluralist curriculum; financial inclusion; economics education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10069680
   
  
• Using Engaging Activities to Enhance Student Mental Wellness in Introductory Economics Classes  
  by Stefani Milovanska-Farrington, Dirk Mateer 
  Abstract: Many college students experience symptoms of mental health challenges, with depression and anxiety being among the most common. These problems negatively affect academic performance (Br
  Keywords: activities; engagement; engaging activities; foundation economics; games; mental health; music; teaching economics; wellness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10070549
   
  
• Responsibility of Management Education to Preserve and Transform Environment Sustainability  
  by Arshi Naim, Anuj Kumar, Sara Kamal 
  Abstract: This paper presents on how management education contributes to environmental sustainability and benefits derived therein. We study five business schools across the globe, as well as their strategies and modules. This is a descriptive study based on qualitative analysis of the secondary data collected from web sources and university reports. Our results show that these five universities have set an example of preserving and transforming environmental sustainability.
  Keywords: environmental sustainability; business schools; management education; qualitative analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2026.10070712
   
  
• Teaching the Economics of Racism  
  by Junaid Jahangir 
  Abstract: The purpose in this paper is to offer three contributions in teaching the economics of racial discrimination. It is shown that mainstream textbooks do not adequately capture the key ideas in the economics of racism. They delineate the anachronistic Becker model of discrimination. Options like the Komlos textbook or the CORE Insight on Racial Inequality offer better alternatives on addressing systemic racism. The contribution of this paper is to incorporate Disney video clips from The Princess and The Frog, key ideas from the economics of incarceration, and pluralist perspectives in the interest of advancing economic pluralism and decolonising economics.
  Keywords: economics of racism; John Komlos; Gary Becker; ECON 101; economic pluralism; statistical discrimination; CORE.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10071086
   
  
• Does a University Education Influence students' Moral Orientation? A Survey of Italian Business Students  
  by Sven-Olof Collin, Assia Liberatore, Emidia Vagnoni 
  Abstract: There is a concern that business students evolve moral standards containing egoistic values: entering their education with more egoistic values, and then, during their education, which is assumed to be geared towards egoistic models, develop them further. We present a slightly more developed conceptual model of the education process and use survey material from two Italian universities where we contrast business students with students in humanities subjects on their moral orientation, specifically idealism and relativism. We find that business students have lower levels of Idealism when they enter, thus corroborating the hypothesis of entry egoism. However, that difference could not be found among students who had been subject to the education process, thus rejecting the idea of business students receiving more egoistic values during their education.
  Keywords: moral orientation; idealism; relativism; university students.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10071163
   
  
• The Unfolding of Neoliberalism in Academic Economics: a Case Study of Colombia  
  by Efren Ariza, Nestor Garza 
  Abstract: We document and analyze the emergence and consolidation of neoliberalism in higher education in economics in Colombia. The research focuses on four interrelated categories through which neoliberal ideology changed the scientific field of economics by replacing endogenously developed analytical traditions during the 1980s -1990s: (1) homogenization of curricula; (2) neoclassical mathematization; (3) use of textbooks; and (4) quantitative assessment (scientometrics) of academic quality. We describe each category and evidence its implementation in the education of Colombian economists. Our analysis highlights the role of the neoliberal transformation of economics in the more general process of social acceptance of neoliberal values.
  Keywords: economics education; sociology of economics; neoclassical economics; pluralism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10071286
   
  
• Pluralism in University Economics Teaching: The Case of France  
  by Sophie Jallais, Florence Jany-Catrice, Arthur Jatteau, Nadine Thevenot 
  Abstract: This paper examines the range of courses offered in economics and management bachelor's degrees in the 53 French public universities. Based on an exhaustive survey and a quantitative analysis of all the course outlines for 2020-2021, this paper analyzes the curricula from the angle of pluralism, using the titles of the 6,433 courses offered in these outlines. We use an original categorization of these titles. First, we focus on whether they denote a mainstream or non-mainstream approach. After noting the very significant weight of the mainstream in economics and management bachelor's degrees in France, we examine their degree of pluralism along five dimensions: the pluralism of theoretical currents and paradigms; the plurality of themes addressed in economics; openness to other disciplines; the variety of methods taught; and reflexivity (i.e., the ability to develop historical analyses critical of the discipline). We demonstrate, with supporting statistics, that in each of these dimensions, the range of economics courses offered in French bachelor's degrees in economics and management is marked by a very low degree of pluralism.
  Keywords: pluralism; economics teaching; undergraduate education; French universities.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10072014
   
  
• Indian Primary Schools and Pluralism Education- a Qualitative View  
  by Anuj Kumar, Swetaleena Hota, Arya Kumar, Sablu Khan 
  Abstract: This article highlights how pluralistic education promotes a harmonious society that is tolerant of religious and cultural diversity. Research was conducted on three different categories of primary schools in the Indian state of Odisha. Analysis of student demographics, pluralistic policies, and teaching practices were based on interviews, field notes, and document reviews. Our results indicate that, since 1999 the Ministry of Education has been aggressively improving the quality of education in primary and government schools and promoting pluralistic education. We find that preserving cultural and religious identity is possible through an inclusive educational curriculum. Our findings suggest that pluralistic education enables the building of intercultural skills and tolerance towards diverse cultures, which will go a long way in maintaining a harmonious society amidst cultural and religious diversity.
  Keywords: pluralism; education; India; pluralism in primary schools; cultural pluralism; India; cultural pluralism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10072016
   
  
• Beyond the Degree: a Classroom Exercise  
  by Laura Beltran 
  Abstract: This paper explores the pedagogical exercise of analysing the value of higher education through the lens of heterodox economics, focusing on a class activity that engages students with real-world labour market data. In an era where neoliberal ideologies dominate educational narratives, encouraging perpetual academic advancement as a panacea for economic success, this exercise challenges students to critically assess the empirical relationship between educational attainment and earnings potential. By comparing job listings for positions requiring bachelor's degrees with those requiring master's degrees, students are prompted to reflect on the material outcomes of higher education investments. The paper argues that such pedagogical practices can foster a critical consciousness among students, empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational and economic futures.
  Keywords: higher education; labor market; critical pedagogy; student consciousness; discussion boards.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJPEE.2025.10072252