“Economics is a dismal science..." This statement is certainly not supported by Leith Thompson in her recent Barker Institute address. A passionate advocate for the study for this social science, Leith’s narrative took the audience on a journey. She painted a picture that economics was engaging, exciting, relevant and all pervasive. From the individual, to business and to all levels government, every decision made requires choices to be made – an economic decision.
Complementing this thesis, was a plea for students to consider how they might benefit from studying economics. Issues of theory coupled with real life authentication, the study of economics fosters strategic thinking, curiosity, literacy and numeracy skills and confronting ethical and moral dilemmas. These pleas where specific; more females needed to represented in the profession. They are currently under represented. It was not a question of ability or capacity, but one of awareness.
Overall, an insightful expose that challenged one’s thinking and fostered curiosity.