Critical financial literacy: an agenda

Abstract

Following the recent financial crisis, consumer behaviour was framed as central in contributing to financial instability. To heighten the financial responsibility of consumers, programs to increase the financial literacy of the general population are being administered by the OECD and other national and international, public and private organisations. Far from presenting a balanced view of economics or encouraging civic engagement in financial regulation, such programs focus on correcting what is viewed as consumer misconduct. In the process, economic topics are naturalised and become reified. We oppose this 'mainstream' financial literacy, by proposing a critical financial literacy (CFL) program that empowers citizens to question the role of finance in society, and that underscores the importance of representing civil society interests in financial regulation. Hence, we call on civil society organisations and other stakeholders in civil society to contribute to the content of these programs and promote a CFL.