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Economic and Financial Education: Concepts, Goals and Measurement

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Abstract

A review of the literature and of specific education initiatives reveals a broad range of approaches to economic and financial education. What knowledge areas and skills are targeted and how content is presented very much depends on the motives and goals of the various education providers. Central banks, for instance, provide economic and financial education basically for five reasons: (1) to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy, (2) to ensure the smooth functioning of financial markets, (3) to support sustainable economic policies, (4) to promote economic and financial literacy as a public good and, (5) by doing so, build their reputation and promote acceptance for their actions. Economic and financial literacy tests have generally uncovered substantial knowledge gaps among citizens. Yet given the methodological deficiencies of the existing analyses, test scores must be interpreted with caution. Improving methodology remains a challenge for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Ernest Gnan & Maria Antoinette Silgoner & Beat Weber, 2007. "Economic and Financial Education: Concepts, Goals and Measurement," Monetary Policy & the Economy, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank), issue 3, pages 28-49.
    • Handle: RePEc:onb:oenbmp:y:2007:i:3:b:2
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    1. Patrick J. Bayer & B. Douglas Bernheim & John Karl Scholz, 2009. "The Effects Of Financial Education In The Workplace: Evidence From A Survey Of Employers," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 47(4), pages 605-624, October.
    2. Bernheim, B. Douglas & Garrett, Daniel M., 2003. "The effects of financial education in the workplace: evidence from a survey of households," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(7-8), pages 1487-1519, August.
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    1. Cordero, José Manuel & Gil, María & Pedraja Chaparro, Francisco, 2016. "Exploring the effect of financial literacy courses on student achievement: a cross-country approach using PISA 2012 data," MPRA Paper 75474, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Sabine Schlögl, 2007. "Financial and Economic Education Products and Services of Austrian Institutions and Enterprises," Monetary Policy & the Economy, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank), issue 3, pages 68-84.
    3. Fuzhong Chen & Xin Du & Wenting Wang, 2023. "Can FinTech Applied to Payments Improve Consumer Financial Satisfaction? Evidence from the USA," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-17, January.
    4. Sergio Longobardi & Margherita Maria Pagliuca & Andrea Regoli, 2017. "Family background and financial literacy of Italian students: the mediating role of attitudes and motivations," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 37(4), pages 2585-2594.
    5. Neuenkirch, Edith & Hayo, Bernd, 2015. "The influence of media use on laymen s monetary policy knowledge in Germany," VfS Annual Conference 2015 (Muenster): Economic Development - Theory and Policy 113218, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    6. Godiva Rembeci, 2019. "Building an information system to enhance innovative SMEs in Albania," European Journal of Economics and Business Studies Articles, Revistia Research and Publishing, vol. 5, ejes_v5_i.
    7. Manfred Fluch, 2007. "Selected Central Banks’ Economic and Financial Literacy Programs," Monetary Policy & the Economy, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank), issue 3, pages 80-104.
    8. Jingyuan Fu & Meng Sun & Minhong Wang, 2022. "Simulation-Assisted Learning about a Complex Economic System: Impact on Low- and High-Achieving Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, May.
    9. Агамбаева Саида // Agambayeva Saida & Конурбаева Наталья // Konurbayeva Natalya, 2022. "Финансовая грамотность и инфляционные ожидания домашних хозяйств // Financial literacy and inflation expectations of households," Working Papers #2022-7, National Bank of Kazakhstan.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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