The utility of Marxian economics in explaining the problems of modern capitalism and its applicability to economics instruction in social science courses

This study tests if Marxian economics helps students understand how capitalism works while studying economics in social science courses at Miami Dade Community College (MDCC). Two introductory chapters present Marxian economic arguments that examine issues affecting market systems, suggesting the relevance of the analysis to understanding modern economic developments. The study tests if students and professors today are capable of separating Marx's explanations of how capitalism works from his writings on communism, and if that analysis stimulates critical thinking among students. The study explores if students learn about capitalism as effectively using the Marxian analysis as by using the classical economics methodology, and if MDCC Hispanic students' attitudes toward Marx affect their learning when using the Marxian analyses. The research propositions were tested in six social science courses (ISS 1120) taught at MDCC. Three classes were taught about economic problems of capitalism using the Marxian critique, while the others learned from the classical perspective. Student groups took identical tests, allowing for research comparison. Their responses to surveys gauged attitudes and opinions toward learning economics from the competing perspectives. Professors at MDCC and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) were surveyed to measure their views about using Marx in the classroom. The findings looked for regional and ethnic differences in their opinions about Marxian economics.; Definite conclusions were not drawn from survey and testing data because of the small research populations. The study suggests the Marxian analysis helps students learn about capitalism, but that the methodology is not more effective than classical economics. Student survey responses suggest that the Marxian analysis stimulates critical thinking, that students can separate Marx's critique of capitalism from ideas on communism, and that MDCC Hispanic students are more hesitant about using the Marxian critique than non-Hispanics at the college. Professors indicate their support for using the Marxian analyses in the classroom.