Thinking economics in a different way Economic Literacy Eva Klawatsch-Treitl Englische Übersetzung: Heike Wach Oktober 2014

Background to the approach Empowerment & positioning in the International Women‘s Movement Paulo Freire – Pedagogics of the oppressed

Definitions „The International Gender and Trade Network defines economic literacy as the ability to understand and think critically about how trade and economic policies impact our daily lives. By developing this kind of literacy, we become better equipped to engage with those who make and implement trade and economic policies. It also strengthens our ability to advocate for policies that are socially sustainable, pro-development, and gender equal.”

Definitions “The international women´s movement approach, informed by a human rights approach, is creating stronger networks to consolidate and strengthen alternatives to neo-liberalism built on such principles as inclusivity, participation and economic justice. However, it is crucial that women have the tools, skills and confidence to engage with policy makers in order to effect change at local, national or global levels.“ (Banúlacht 2004, 22)

Central elements(1): The everyday knowledge of people, and specifically women is considered important and highly relevant; The realities of the participants are taken as a starting point to work from; Common knowledge will be combined with theory; Options for action may be developed.

Central elements (2): Being used as a feminist tool, Economic Literacy primarily addresses women. Moreover it is also applicable in the context of other situations of emancipatory educational work that is critical of society.

Central elements (3): Economic Literacy is thus an empowerment tool to work towards feminist goals. This widely exceeds ordinary educational concepts. EL is about a collective generation of economic knowledge with respect to both feminist and political concerns.

Economic backgrounds WIDE works with an extended feminist notion of economy. In this, economy is judged (rated) by the degree it contributes to „a good life“ of all people in the South, the North, the East and the West.

Non-Profit Sector NGO/NPO Illegaler Sektor Illegal Sector 5-Sector Model of the Economy (Luise Gubitzer). This broad concept of Economy is includes the economic activities of all sectors. R: Socio-economic rationality, satisfying needs, redistribution, securing livelihoods and ensuring equality (Umverteilung, Versorgung, Gleichstellung & Stimmenmaximierung) R: Rationality of profit maximization (Gewinnmaximierung) For Profit Sector Public Sector Öffentlicher Sektor R: value-based rationalities (Werterationalitäten, politisch- ethischen Rationalitäten) Non-Profit Sector NGO/NPO Illegaler Sektor Illegal Sector & Krimineller Sektor Criminal Sector Household Haushalt R: rationalities of survival and of providing and ensuring one's livelihood, profit maximization (Versorgungs- Umgehungs-, Gewalt, und Gewinnmaximierungsrationalität) R: Rationality of providing, rationality of nurturing care, rationality of preservation (Fürsorge-, Versorgungs-, Vorsorgerationalität). 9