Meet the Economy
Exploring the four core spheres of activity at the heart of the economy: the market, state, household and commons
Version 1.0 (September 2020)
Overview
This series of lessons introduces the four core spheres of economic activity: the market, the state, the household and the commons. It explores how these can provision for our needs and looks and what it might mean to create a healthy balance between them for a thriving economy. The first lesson starts with the student’s experience of the economy and introduces the Embedded Economy. Lessons 2 and 3 introduce each of the four spheres of activity and explore their very different qualities and caveats. And the final lesson draws them together to explore the tensions, power and synergies between them.
Click here for a printable version of the Embedded Economy diagram in over 25 lanugages.
Lesson Outcomes
- Learn about the market, state, household and commons and explore their qualities and caveats
- Think critically about what a healthy balance across these four spheres of activity might look like
- View the four spheres of activity through one’s own lived experience
Who is it for?
Educators | Students aged 16+ | Communities
How long does it take?
4 x 90 minute lessons
One day-long workshop (6 hours)
How many people is it for?
10 - 40
What materials do you need?
Screen or projector, 3 large sheets of paper or boards to write on, materials for the creative expression (see lesson four, part 3)
Acknowledgements
Original content by Kate Raworth. Lesson plan written by Rob Shorter and Kate Raworth. Additional contributions from Carlota Sanz, Andrew Fanning and Stephanie Leite.
Links
Open the lesson plan in Google Docs
Open the accompanying presentation in Google Slides
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Bruce McNaughton
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Thanks very much for the Action Lab. I am currently exploring how to integrate the Doughnut and Embedded Economy models within the following areas in Business: * the Business Case for Programmes and Projects (e.g. UK Green Book)? * Integrated Management Systems with ISO 9001 related standards? * Sustainable Community based upon ISO 37101 and relation to the doughnut * the EFQM Model? * B-Corporation Certifications? * Systems engineering related areas. The people working with these models and standards already have an understanding of models and have their own internal audiences within organizations. I'm interested in collaborating with any people also looking at these areas.
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Eric Poettschacher
Berlin, Deutschland
My work is all about Energy Literacy and sense-making. I graduated from a Masters Programme for Media and Arts. As a producer and independent consultant I have been working for 25+ years mostly with creative businesses, international corporations and non-profits on projects focussing on whole systems change. I am trained in organisational development, large group facilitation and cross-cultural communications. My passion is shifting mental maps and assumptions that make up our daily routines and collective practices by utilising state of the art sense-making methods.
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Inge Schrijver
Den Haag, Zuid-Holland, Nederland
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Derek von Behr
Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
Architect, urban planner and landscaper
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Annika Ek
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Alison Malisa
Sebastopol, California, United States of America
On a moral mission to redesign the way we teach and think about economics, putting peace, prosperity, regeneration, and wellbeing first.
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Antonios Triantafyllakis
Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
I’m a strategic consultant, learning designer, and gamification expert with over 20 years of experience helping organisations drive social and environmental impact through experiential learning. I've had the privilege of working with over 40 organisations and training more than 2,000 individuals across three continents, creating transformative learning experiences that build 21st-century skills. My work bridges gamification with sustainability, equipping purpose-driven organisations to achieve measurable impact through playful and experiential approaches. I’m passionate about fostering a world of equal rights and opportunities where diverse, active citizens work towards an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future. If you’re a purpose-driven organisation, an educator, or a changemaker seeking to amplify your impact and cultivate future-ready skills, let’s explore how we can make a difference together. I’m ready to collaborate and bring lasting change. Let’s change the world together!
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Markus Neubauer
Wien, Österreich
I am interested in how to introduce the doughnut into businesses so that our businesses help us to thrive within the doughnut. I am happy about all ideas and literature recommendations regarding this topic.
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