Essentials of Economics in Context

Essentials of Economics in Context is specifically designed to meet the requirements of a one-semester introductory economics course that provides coverage of both microeconomic and macroeconomic foundations. It addresses current economic challenges, paying specific attention to issues of inequality, globalization, unpaid work, technology, financialization, and the environment, making the text a genuine 21st-century introduction to economics.

Aspects of history, institutions, gender, ethics, and ecology are integrated throughout the text, and economic analysis is presented within broader themes of human well-being, and social and environmental sustainability. Theoretical expositions in the text are kept close to reality by integrating numerous real-world examples and by presenting the material in the recognized accessible and engaging style of this experienced author team.

Key features include:

• a brand-new chapter devoted entirely to economic inequality
• up-to-date discussions of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on labor markets, inflation, and beyond
• an inclusive approach to economics, where the economy is analyzed within its social and environmental context (including a greater focus on topics outside of the United States)
• a focus on goals of human well-being, stability, and sustainability, instead of solely focusing on market activities

This text is the ideal resource for one-semester introductory economics courses globally. The book’s companion website is available at www.bu.edu/eci/essentials.

Neva Goodwin is Distinguished Fellow at the Economics in Context Initiative at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center and Co-Director of the Global Development and Environment Institute (GDAE) at Tufts University.

Jonathan M. Harris is Visiting Scholar at the Global Development and Environment Institute (GDAE) at Tufts University and Senior Research Fellow at the Economics in Context Initiative at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center.

Pratistha Joshi Rajkarnikar is Assistant Director of the Economics in Context Initiative at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center and a lecturer at Boston University and Brandeis University.

Brian Roach is Director of the Theory and Education Program at the Global Development and Environment Institute (GDAE) at Tufts University and Senior Research Fellow at the Economics in Context Initiative at Boston University.

Tim B. Thornton is Senior Research Fellow at the Economics in Context Initiative at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center, USA, and Director of the School of Political Economy, Australia.