Consumers' Freedom of Choice

Consumer freedom of choice has a long way to go. Even though it is true that attempts at consumer education in the past few years have been made, there are many inadequacies. Part of the problem is the quality of education; part is the lack of acceptance. In our county, for example, consumer education became a part of the Family Life Education pro? gram. Sometimes it would seem that consumer economics was included as a ploy to get the program across?since there is a general battle against sex education. The program became enmeshed in controversy; some schools adopted it; others did not. And the arguments for and against did not revolve around the consumer aspects. In consumer education, three factors are important. First, it must be relevant. A small child can comprehend that a dime will buy a toy or a piece of candy; perhaps that vandalism raises taxes. Maybe this is all that can be expected, and yet is this enough? Secondly, it must be interesting. I saw one illustration of a second grade that was learning the meaning of producer and consumer. It certainly made economics a dismal science. Terminology, rote teaching, ideas unrelated to the comprehension of a child, could have a lasting effect on the child. So good teaching is important. It is not a goal to educate children not to take economics

Economics · Freedom of choice · Market economy · Mathematical economics · Positive economics · Sociology · Economic and Fiscal Studies · Economic Theory and Institutions