Faculty Publications

Attack of the Cyborgs: Economic Imperialism and The Human Deficit in Educational Policy-Making & Research

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Higher education and state; Education, higher--Aims and objectives; Educational change

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Educational Controversy

Volume

8

Issue

1

Abstract

The term 'economic imperialism': is generally attributed to an article of that title by Hoover Institution economist Edward Lazear (2000, p. 1), although it is a concept that has long been promoted by University of Chicago economist Gary Becker. The article itself is a celebratory piece that asserts both modern economics bona fides as the premiere social science analogous to the so-called hard sciences, such as physics and chemistry, as well as the generalized applicability of neoclassical economic theory and econometric methods to all manner of social phenomena. Lazear is surely being provocative in proclaiming the preeminence of economic orthodoxy, not to mention displaying a good deal of intellectual hubris, but it is equally clear that he does have a point. While the assertion that economics is the premiere social science is certainly questionable, it is difficult to understate the growing influence of neoclassical economic theory and methodology across the social sciences (Fine & Milonakis, 2009).

Department

Department of Educational Psychology, Foundations, and Leadership Studies

Original Publication Date

12-1-2012

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