Date

16-18 June, 2025

Location

University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

The International Summer School on Economic Theories and Methods, held from June 16 to 18, 2025, brought together a dynamic group of economics students for a rich learning experience. The event was organized by 2 graduate students of the Department of Economics at the University of Manitoba and proudly supported by the Department of Economics, the Faculty of Arts, the Progressive Economics Forum (PEF), and the Economics Graduate Students Association (EGSA).

The summer school featured a diverse set of lectures, collaborative discussions, and an educational field tour grounded in historical political economy. The goal of the summer school was to create an engaging environment that promotes the importance of embracing a plurality of theories and methodologies in the economic discipline.

Of the 23 student participants, 8 graduate students came from outside the Province of Manitoba, 1 from the University of Winnipeg, and the remainder from the University of Manitoba. Among the participants from the University of Manitoba, we were fortunate to have 2 vibrant undergraduate students who also contributed to the success of the event in helping to organize the activities during the summer school.

The Summer School commenced on Monday, June 16, beginning with a breakfast gathering and opening remarks by Dr Heidi Marx, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, and Professor Umut Uguzoglu, Head of the Department of Economics.

After the opening remarks, Professor Jesse Hajer led the first session on Heterodox Economic Methodology and Methods, outlining how heterodox economics and orthodox approaches can be defined and distinguished from one another. He compared the two traditions across methodological dimensions—epistemological, ontological, and ideological—and highlighted how these differences shape the research methods. Professor Hajer introduced the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and its link to Community Economic Development, describing it as self-governing organizations that prioritize social goals like poverty reduction and sustainability over profit, and highlighting how it differs from state and private organizations.

In the afternoon, Professor Robert Chernomas examined the Epidemiological Transition, presenting different perspectives, including biomedical, behavioural, economic, and political economy approaches. He highlighted how each framework offers unique insights into understanding and predicting this historic shift, while noting that broader social and institutional factors should be fruitfully considered alongside individual choices to enrich the analysis. Next, Professor Ardeshir Sepehri presented the Grossman Health Capital Model and its shortcomings. Although the model is widely used in health economics, it is criticized for overstating individual control over their health, assuming full information, and neglecting biological, social, and environmental factors.
 

On Tuesday morning, Professor Fletcher Baragar led the Macroeconomics session, showing how theory both informs and evolves through real-world analysis. He examined the Classical model of growth and distribution and applied it to Canadian data to illustrate how alternative frameworks can reshape macroeconomic inquiry. After lunch, Professor John Serieux delivered a lecture on Development Economics, using the lenses of history and institutions to compare different theoretical approaches. He emphasized how these perspectives shape both the characterization and practice of development. Key questions explored included the relationship between broader economic theories and development economics, and the importance of context in shaping outcomes.

On the final day, Wednesday, Professor Ian Hudson delivered the lecture on Labour Economics, beginning with a discussion on the role of theory in analyzing labour markets. He also shared insights from his recent research, focusing on the evolution of the U.S. labour market since 1980 and examining how unionization rates have shaped inequality and social well-being across Canadian provinces.

Following an early lunch, participants took part in a memorable Winnipeg General Strike Historical Tour, visiting key 1919 strike landmarks such as City Hall, Hell’s Alley, and the General Strike Monument. The tour provided a powerful connection between the historical labour struggle and contemporary economic discourse. The program culminated in a Closing Session and Dinner held at the 600 Fletcher Argue Building, where the President of the University of Manitoba, Dr Michael Benarroch, delivered a thoughtful address. His remarks reaffirmed the central theme of the summer school – the importance of fostering pluralism in economic thought.  By emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives and critical engagement within the discipline, Dr Benarroch highlighted the university’s enduring commitment to academic inclusivity and intellectual openness.

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