Description

In the old historic buildings of University of Cambridge Dr. Ha-Joon Chang is working to change the way we think about and do economics, and to dispel the widespread perception that economics is too complicated for non-economists. So far he has written two books on the subject; “Economics: The User’s Guide” and “23 Things They Didn’t Tell You About Capitalism”, the latter was a bestseller published in 42 languages and elling more than 2 millions copies. He is one the few economists who is rebelling against the neoliberal dominance and this makes him a persona non grata in the mainstream political and academic world.

Ha-Joon makes the case that we have lost the ability to discuss our economy in any meaningful way because the economists from the neoclassical school has managed to convince (almost) everyone else that economics is actually a factual science. A science that has one right theory – just like physics and chemistry. Using advanced mathematics and abstract models they made it look like economic theory was so advanced, complex and difficult that it should be left to the experts (themselves of course). The truth is, however, that 95% of economics is common sense, and the rest can be understand if it’s just explained in common terms. It is time for the people to take back control of the economy and the discussion behind it.

Using archival news footage and interview footage with Ha-Joon Chang the evolution of economics is brought to life and explained with Ha-Joon’s signature style, where popular culture phenomenons are used to make economic theory engaging and entertaining. The arguments, cases and examples presented by Ha-Joon Chang is supported in interviews with other vocal critics of the economic status quo; Dr. Jason Hickel (anthropologist,author, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts), Prof. Marianna Mazzucato (economist, author and director of the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose at University College London), Yanis Varoufakis (economist, author and former greek finance minister) among others. This makes it apparent the many ways the neoclassical assumptions and myths has shaped our societies and what we can do to change it for the better.