The Future of Economics Education: Teaching for a Sustainable World

• How economics is taught defines how future generations imagine and solve the crises of the 21st century.
• Traditional economic education has focused on GDP-linked growth, but contemporary crises—social, ecological, and armed conflicts—necessitate a more multidimensional, human-centric approach.
• While recent curriculum reforms (LOMLOE) in Spain have introduced concepts like the SDGs and circular economy, textbooks still largely prioritize classical growth models, relegating critical perspectives to supplementary content.

Textbook Analysis

• A study of five first-year Bachillerato economics textbooks reveals that development is primarily linked to GDP growth.
• While post-LOMLOE textbooks show improved inclusion of sustainability, ecological footprints, and degrowth theories, the core framework remains focused on continuous production and consumption.

Pedagogical Tools and Alternatives

• Doughnut Economics: Kate Raworth’s framework serves as a visual and conceptual tool for teaching students to balance social foundations (rights, health, housing) with planetary boundaries.
• The Indico Index: Developed by organizations like REEDES and Forus, this tool uses 54 indicators across four transitions (democratic, feminist, socioeconomic, and ecological) to analyze a country's contribution to global sustainable development.

Implications for Teachers

• Economic education is not neutral; it shapes students' interpretations of global problems and potential solutions.
• Educators must go beyond technical training to foster critical thinking and collective knowledge, moving toward models that prioritize social justice and ecological integrity to equip students for the challenges of the current era.