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The post-autistic economics movement (French: autisme-économie),[1] or movement of students for the reform of economics teaching (French: mouvement des étudiants pour une réforme de l'enseignement de l'économie),[2] is a political movement that criticises neoclassical economics and advocates for pluralism in economics. The movement gained attention after an open letter signed by almost a thousand economics students at French universities and grandes ecoles was published in Le Monde in 2000.[3]
The French term autisme has an older meaning and signifies "abnormal subjectivity, acceptance of fantasy rather than reality". However, post-autistic economists also "assert that neoclassical economics has the characteristics of an autistic child".[4]
The pejorative reference to the neurodevelopmental disorder autism is considered offensive by some economists.[5] Greg Mankiw has said that "use of the term indicates a lack of empathy and understanding for those who live with actual, severe autism".[6]
The French minister of education appointed a panel headed by Jean-Paul Fitoussi to inquire into economics teaching.[7] In 2000, the panel called for limited reform.[8]
Articles associated with the movement were published in the Post-Autistic Economics Newsletter from September 2000. This electronic newsletter became the Post-Autistic Economics Review and, since 2008, has existed as the peer-reviewed journal Real-World Economics Review.[9]
Several responses to the French students' open letter were also published in Le Monde. A counter-petition signed by 15 French economists was published in October 2000.[10] Robert Solow adhered to the "main thesis" of the French students' petition, but criticised the "opaque and almost incomprehensible" debate that followed among academics.[11] Olivier Blanchard published a response defending mainstream economics.[9] Other notable economists, such as Steve Keen and James K. Galbraith, wrote elsewhere in support of the French students.[12]