Talking about economics using "The Grapes of Wrath"

Paulo Mourão

No 1/2003, NIPE Working Papers from NIPE - Universidade do Minho

Abstract: A hundred years after John Steinbeck's birth, I found in this date a good reason to approach The Grapes of Wrath as an introductory suggestion to some concepts of Economics to the students of the Social Communication Course of the University of Minho. These students present a diversified cultural baggage, but, however, they acknowledge a deep lack of specific preparation in the quantitative domains, which can unchain some previous aversion to subjects such as Statistics or Economics. With the sense of reducing that predisposition, as done with other universal literature books, I made use of Steinbeck’s epic to introduce the classes to powerful concepts such as the labour market and its imperfections, there explained. The reaction was very positive and the book promoted a large discussion about the role of government and the strategies of both sides (labour offer and demand).

Date: 2003
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