Using Netflix Original Series to teach economics: A diversity and inclusion approach

Abstract

Using pop culture to illustrate economics concepts is a growing trend among economics instructors. This paper embraces this trend and contributes by exploring the opportunities that using video clips from Netflix Originals series provides to economics instructors. We created lecture plans based on 12 Netflix Originals series allowing instructors to illustrate more than 25 economics concepts presented in principles of economics courses. The shows listed in this paper are from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Therefore, this paper's lecture plans allow students to learn a wide range of concepts using series from various parts of the world. Besides geographical diversity, our resources enable instructors to expose students to multiple forms of diversity, such as languages, cultural, ethnic, and sexual identities.