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Straight White males do not perceive themselves to be privileged because of their economic circumstances, lack of family support, and the stressors they face to cope with Western masculine norms. We conducted quantitative and detailed... more
Straight White males do not perceive themselves to be privileged because of their economic circumstances, lack of family support, and the stressors they face to cope with Western masculine norms. We conducted quantitative and detailed qualitative data analyses based on a survey of 32 male students at MacEwan University. Although our quantitative analysis did not reflect significant results, our qualitative data found that straight White males have a lower sense of belonging on campus, self-censor on campus, perceive being negatively depicted, and are impeded by unhealthy Western norms on masculinity to deal with the stressors of life. We conclude that support systems are required to instill a healthy sense of self-esteem within straight White male students and to validate them by role models and mentors.
The objective in this paper is to investigate the determinants of Economics instructor ratings in two universities in Edmonton based on the data available from the Rate My Professors (RMP) website. Based on random effects and multi-level... more
The objective in this paper is to investigate the determinants of Economics instructor ratings in two universities in Edmonton based on the data available from the Rate My Professors (RMP) website. Based on random effects and multi-level regression analysis, it is found that instructor ratings are predominantly driven by difficulty level and grades received by students. Additionally, ethnic instructors receive significantly lower ratings, which is explained less by accent and more by race. If the reported difficulty level of a course and the grade received by a student capture "easy expectations" on the part of students in the RMP data, and if instructor ratings are driven by a combination of such "easy expectations" and racial bias on the part of students, then the case for using average instructor ratings for annual faculty evaluations is weakened.
This note is motivated by rising inequality during the COVID pandemic and by calls from student groups in the aftermath of the financial crisis to address contemporary issues including economic inequality. Three textbook options are... more
This note is motivated by rising inequality during the COVID pandemic and by calls from student groups in the aftermath of the financial crisis to address contemporary issues including economic inequality. Three textbook options are reviewed to showcase that they do not provide a comparative look on policies to combat inequality. Moreover, the CORE textbook that has been promoted as an alternative to standard textbooks is fraught with information overload and advanced concepts. It is emphasized that the preponderant academic position is shifting towards seriously addressing and combating economic inequality. Thus, lesson plans based on three video clips and Blanchard and Rodrik (2021) are showcased to address economic inequality. Overall, Disney animation clips sustain student interest, retention, and participation more effectively.
The objective in this paper is to revisit the principles of economics taught at the principles level. Many ECON 101 students end up with the dogma of market fundamentalism or economism. Large scale inertia prevents a complete overhaul of... more
The objective in this paper is to revisit the principles of economics taught at the principles level. Many ECON 101 students end up with the dogma of market fundamentalism or economism. Large scale inertia prevents a complete overhaul of ECON 101. There are also concerns with both mainstream and heterodox economists dismissing alternative perspectives and with the chalk and talk method of instruction. Thus, the focus in this paper is on comparatively viewing neoclassical and heterodox perspectives and illustrating economic principles through Disney video clips. Such a strategy elicits student interest due to familiarity and connection with childhood memories and helps with recall in the age of information overload. Moreover, the instructor preparation time and technological requirements of such an approach are minimal. Overall, with pluralist perspectives and Disney clips, the twin objectives of upholding nuance and retaining student interest are achieved.
The objective in this paper is to provide a renewed perspective on teaching trade. The idea is to create a teaching module like the one offered by the CORE textbook that blends microeconomics and macroeconomics concepts to address... more
The objective in this paper is to provide a renewed perspective on teaching trade. The idea is to create a teaching module like the one offered by the CORE textbook that blends microeconomics and macroeconomics concepts to address globalization. Neoclassical textbooks are contrasted with heterodox ones to provide a comparative outlook on key themes on trade. Subject material from various textbooks is complemented with YouTube videos, game theory applications, and a nuanced graphical analysis on topical issues. Apart from tariffs and current account deficits, the issues of fair trade, environmental sustainability, and economic sanctions are considered to appeal to students.
In the aftermath of the financial crisis, student groups demonstrated against mainstream economics with its emphasis on abstract mathematical models at the expense of real-world issues. To this end, I have reviewed ten books, published in... more
In the aftermath of the financial crisis, student groups demonstrated against mainstream economics with its emphasis on abstract mathematical models at the expense of real-world issues. To this end, I have reviewed ten books, published in the last five years, to introduce students to the criticisms leveled against mainstream textbook theory, to offer diverse perspectives, to address contemporary challenges including climate change and economic inequality, to introduce modern monetary theory, and to highlight the limitations of radical left-wing rhetoric. These books confirm that the way ahead in economics education is through addressing real-world issues and upholding pluralist perspectives.

Paper available here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/05775132.2022.2156183
The objective of this paper is to offer an approach for teaching inequality to ECON 101 students. A principal argument made is that it is necessary to teach inequality to ECON 101 students and that any discussion of inequality is... more
The objective of this paper is to offer an approach for teaching inequality to ECON 101 students. A principal argument made is that it is necessary to teach inequality to ECON 101 students and that any discussion of inequality is incomplete without addressing taxation. Multiple ways of broaching inequality are shown by a review of salient points from various textbooks and think tank analyses. The renewed approach is developed by motivating students through popular memes, data analysis, a comparative outlook of salient ideas, and a simple simulation exercise to study the impact of an increase in the top tax rate on tax revenues.

Paper available here: https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJPEE.2022.127215
There is a growing recognition that ECON 101 does not adequately prepare students to address the pressing issues of our times including climate change. However, options such as the CORE text are unsuitable because of information overload... more
There is a growing recognition that ECON 101 does not adequately prepare students to address the pressing issues of our times including climate change. However, options such as the CORE text are unsuitable because of information overload and the use of advanced technical concepts and techniques. The objective in this paper is to introduce climate change to ECON 101 students in a way that minimizes student confusion, instructor workload, and upholds Mankiw's approach of clarity before nuance. A new approach is delineated based on popular books, magazine articles, a YouTube video, and simple exercises. This five-part approach consists of emphasizing the urgency of climate change, thinking outside the box through geoengineering, the limits of individual actions like buying local or going vegan, the comparative outlook on various policy tools with a simple equation solving exercise, and game theory to broach the issue of international collaboration.
The neoclassical paradigm leaves students with the simplistic understanding that the contribution of essential workers is far less compared to that of CEOs and financial executives. This teaching is crystallized through principle 8, which... more
The neoclassical paradigm leaves students with the simplistic understanding that the contribution of essential workers is far less compared to that of CEOs and financial executives. This teaching is crystallized through principle 8, which associates living standards with productivity. The objective in this paper is to develop a renewed perspective by projecting the ideas of John Komlos through the song of the seven dwarves. Such an approach allows to retain student interest, make economic content relatable, and facilitate a nuanced understanding. The song lyrics help advance a renewed perspective that higher productivity does not always lead to higher living standards.
Four questions pertaining to effective teaching are addressed through content analysis of student comments at the Rate My Professors website for economics instructors at two universities in Edmonton. First, do student comments capture... more
Four questions pertaining to effective teaching are addressed through content analysis of student comments at the Rate My Professors website for economics instructors at two universities in Edmonton. First, do student comments capture effective teaching? Second, why are economics instructors rated lower than those in other social sciences? Third, do contract instructors lower teaching standards through easy classes and grade inflation? Finally, are quality instructors penalised for rigorous standards? The analysis suggests that student comments capture many attributes of effective teaching but not critical thinking. There exists some evidence on contract instructors offering easy as just as there exist individual cases of instructors being penalised for maintaining rigorous standards. These findings suggest that administration should focus on student comments instead of average numerical scores. Effective instructors should not be penalised when student comments emphasise easy grades as part of the corporate model of education instead of learning and critical thinking.
The objective in this paper is to discern how student comments at the Rate My Professors website distinguish between retired professors and contract instructors in economics. A qualitative content analysis is used to investigate whether... more
The objective in this paper is to discern how student comments at the Rate My Professors website distinguish between retired professors and contract instructors in economics. A qualitative content analysis is used to investigate whether student comments capture effective teaching, as depicted in the academic literature and whether teaching pedagogy has shifted from critical thinking and challenge to easy expectations and easy grades, as part of the corporatization of education.
The objective in this paper is to introduce ECON 101 students, who usually learn about stylized neoclassical economics models, to the pressing issues of our times including climate change and economic inequality. In this regard a review... more
The objective in this paper is to introduce ECON 101 students, who usually learn about stylized neoclassical economics models, to the pressing issues of our times including climate change and economic inequality. In this regard a review of the book, Making Sense of the Future by interdisciplinary scholar, Rick Szostak, is undertaken and paired with ancillary material based on videos and articles. Students will learn that working for a better future does not mean a lifetime of limitless sacrifice, and that they can use their education to push for meaningful change in the world.
Many Economics 101 students do not major in the subject partly to the subject content that emphasizes abstract models over contemporary issues including climate change, inequality, and financial crises. This critique is of both content... more
Many Economics 101 students do not major in the subject partly to the subject content that emphasizes abstract models over contemporary issues including climate change, inequality, and financial crises. This critique is of both content and presentation. To this end an unorthodox review of salient ideas of text book by Reardon et al., Introducing a New Economics, is undertaken and paired up with video clips from movies and cartoons to amplify their reach.

Paper can be read here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/CB23WHAMZCCBF8H9JFAP/full?target=10.1080/05775132.2021.1984092
Unlike standard economics courses, there are limited resources available for instructors who are trained in the mainstream neoclassical paradigm. Many courses in this field are pitched at an advanced level for students pursuing graduate... more
Unlike standard economics courses, there are limited resources available for instructors who are trained in the mainstream neoclassical paradigm. Many courses in this field are pitched at an advanced level for students pursuing graduate research, or they are pitched through the paradigms of political economy or theology. This paper highlights the key questions and salient ideas in an undergraduate course on the Economics of Religion, thereby providing one example of how potential instructors could structure their course. The idea is to showcase class material so that other instructors, who usually teach neoclassical economics and who are newly deciding to teach a similar class, do not necessarily have to reinvent the wheel in preparing for their classes.
Mankiw's widely used ECON 101 textbooks have come under criticism by economists of various ideologies, who feel that it is time to supplant the mainstream neoclassical paradigm given rising inequality, climate change, and the aftermath of... more
Mankiw's widely used ECON 101 textbooks have come under criticism by economists of various ideologies, who feel that it is time to supplant the mainstream neoclassical paradigm given rising inequality, climate change, and the aftermath of the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Amongst the alternatives, the CORE text, and John Komlos' Foundations of Real-World Economics substantively stand out. While the CORE text is used at various institutions, it has also received myriad criticisms. Additionally, given the immense human capital investment in the neoclassical paradigm, there is inertia in changing whole scale to a different paradigm presented by the CORE text. The objective of this paper is to briefly appraise the CORE text and to showcase how the Komlos text can be paired with the Mankiw texts. This approach would be useful for those instructors not seeking a radical overhaul in teaching pedagogy.

https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJPEE.2020.116473
The objective in this paper is to show how the textbook treatment of minimum wage can be enhanced. This is done by contrasting textbook material with that from the popular press and think tank analyses and by including a review of the... more
The objective in this paper is to show how the textbook treatment of minimum wage can be enhanced. This is done by contrasting textbook material with that from the popular press and think tank analyses and by including a review of the empirical evidence. Three extensions of the standard model on minimum wage are delineated –the use of an inelastic demand curve for labor, incorporation of the boom and bust cycle,and the monopsony model. The debate around the profile of the minimum wage worker is introduced to show students how data can be marshalled by opposing sides of the debate. A simple exercise on the disemployment effect is also introduced in a bid to motivate students with real life data. These enhancements to the textbook material offer a more comprehensive understanding than the simplistic standard model.

https://libjournals.mtsu.edu/index.php/jfee/article/view/1902/1197
Homosexual sex between men is predominately reduced to and understood as the act of liwāṭ, which is expressly defined as “inserting the tip of the penis into the anus of a male” (Islam Q&A 2009, par. 10). Traditionally, it has been viewed... more
Homosexual sex between men is predominately reduced to and understood as the act of liwāṭ, which is expressly defined as “inserting the tip of the penis into the anus of a male” (Islam Q&A 2009, par. 10). Traditionally, it has been viewed as resulting from excessive desire or disease. Being outside the folds of a legal contract, defined through nikāḥ (marriage) or mulk yamin (legal authority/ownership), homosexual sex is deemed prohibited. However, it stands to reason that if same-sex nikāḥ were to be accommodated in jurisprudence, then homosexual sex would become permissible and regulated in ways similar to those set for heterosexual couples (Jahangir and Abdullatif, 2016).
Commentary on the hifz furuj (protection of private parts) verse and derived juristic principle (the default status of accessing the female pudenda is prohibition). Orienting the discourse to that of a legal contract where the principle... more
Commentary on the hifz furuj (protection of private parts) verse and derived juristic principle (the default status of accessing the female pudenda is prohibition). Orienting the discourse to that of a legal contract where the principle is that of permissibility, and anchoring the case for same-sex marriage through verse 4:28.
In the backdrop of increased political and social visibility of LGBTQ Muslim groups, conservative Muslim scholars have begun to engage with progressive Muslim scholarship on homosexuality. Most recently, they have supported a rebuttal,... more
In the backdrop of increased political and social visibility of LGBTQ Muslim groups, conservative Muslim scholars have begun to engage with progressive Muslim scholarship on homosexuality. Most recently, they have supported a rebuttal, thirteen years after the publication of Scott Kugle’s seminal essay “Sexuality, diversity and ethics in the agenda of progressive Muslims” and six years after his book Homosexuality in Islam. Mobeen Vaid’s critique emboldens conservative Muslim leaders to equate LGBT Muslims with Lot's people and downplay the legitimate human need for affection, intimacy and companionship as mere urges and whims. The objective of this article is to deconstruct the salient points made in that critique and to address the misconceptions that Muslims generally have on homosexuality.

Among the salient points made in this article, it is argued that any consensus on homosexuality does not hold, permanent celibacy violates Islamic values, medieval knowledge should be updated in jurisprudence and oppression in Allah’s name still constitutes oppression. It is emphasized that the issue at hand is not the permissibility of sexual acts but that of the validity of a legal contract for same-sex couples.

Dispelling misconceptions, it is asserted that sexual abuse or watching pornography do not determine sexual orientation and that Muslim health professionals don’t necessarily support sexual orientation change efforts. Finally, it is underscored that conservative leaders and scholars should be open minded enough to recognize that others who have a greater stake in the issue may be better suited at finding a legal accommodation of gay Muslims in Muslim society.
The objective of this paper was to streamline the case for Muslim same-sex unions that was comprehensively made in Jahangir and Abdullatif (2016). Additionally, we try to address same-sex unions on the basis of non-binary gender, gender... more
The objective of this paper was to streamline the case for Muslim same-sex unions that was comprehensively made in Jahangir and Abdullatif (2016). Additionally, we try to address same-sex unions on the basis of non-binary gender, gender expression and sexual orientation. Based on our work, we argue that the case for Muslim same-sex unions can be made on the basis of broad principles of human dignity and affection and therefore through marriage or through the specific arguments of repelling harm and legal authority. In this regard, going beyond the overarching Islamic value of human dignity, we specifically argue that the case for same-sex unions can be anchored on verse 4:28 on facilitating a legal outlet for sexual expression.
In his 2006 article in the Journal of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (JIMA), Dr. Ahmed qualified the predominant psychiatric view on " homosexuality " by recourse to opinions prevalent within reparative therapy circles.... more
In his 2006 article in the Journal of the Islamic Medical Association of North America (JIMA), Dr. Ahmed qualified the predominant psychiatric view on " homosexuality " by recourse to opinions prevalent within reparative therapy circles. Conservative Muslim thinkers, online counselors and other professionals continue to hold opinions similar to those delineated by Dr. Ahmed in his journal article. We use his paper as a focal point to critique the general opinions upheld by conservative Muslim thinkers by alluding to the harms associated with reparative therapy and by rejecting the unreasonable prescription of permanent celibacy. We critique Dr. Ahmed's association of " homosexuality " with mental health issues, fatal diseases, alcoholism and illicit sexual intercourse. Investigating the Muslim tradition, we encourage conservative Muslim leaders to facilitate Muslim gays and lesbians in their legitimate human need for intimacy, affection and companionship.
Book Chapter in Samar Habib (ed), Islam and Homosexuality, Praeger
The main use of energy in the residential sector in Canada is for space heating. Reductions in residential energy use, therefore, are likely to be achieved primarily through energy-saving retrofits, such as improved insulation. Reasons... more
The main use of energy in the residential sector in Canada is for space heating. Reductions in residential energy use, therefore, are likely to be achieved primarily through energy-saving retrofits, such as improved insulation. Reasons advanced to explain the foot-dragging of the residential sector in this regard are examined here, along with various policy options. Canadian survey data from 2003 are used to examine and compare the most energy-inefficient households who saw no need for retrofits with other households who provided a similar response, with a view to assessing whether there are factors that can be exploited to increase the uptake of such retrofits. The results suggest there is likely to be no quick fix. In the absence of large retrofit subsidies, with their accompanying free-rider problem, or a multi-pronged strategy that includes a whole array of policy instruments, including one that changes the relative importance of energy costs in household budgets, the outlook for sizeable improvements in residential energy efficiency in Canada via residential retrofits does not appear to be overly promising.
I first came to know of Ha-Joon Chang while reading The Econocracy (Earle, Moran, and Ward-Perkins, 2017), a book which calls for a paradigm shift in teaching economics and which cautions that economics is too important to be left to the... more
I first came to know of Ha-Joon Chang while reading The Econocracy (Earle, Moran, and Ward-Perkins, 2017), a book which calls for a paradigm shift in teaching economics and which cautions that economics is too important to be left to the experts. His name intrigued me, and I googled to find popular books written by him including Kicking Away the Ladder (2002), Bad Samaritans (2008), 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism (2010), and Economics: The User's Guide (2014). These books provide a countervailing narrative to the usual popular books like Freakonomics (2006), The Undercover Economist (2006), Economics in One Lesson (2008), and Excuse Me Professor (2015). Chang's latest book Edible Economics (2022) crystallizes the narrative that he has developed through his popular books over the years. While he uses the imagery of food in this book to reinforce his narrative, I have reviewed the salient ideas as follows in a bid to draw out lessons I could share with my ECON 101 students.
Keyu Jin is an academic who has worked with the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the IMF, and the World Bank. She provides an analysis as someone who is intimately familiar with both a state-regulated China and Western... more
Keyu Jin is an academic who has worked with the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the IMF, and the World Bank. She provides an analysis as someone who is intimately familiar with both a state-regulated China and Western neoliberal institutions that prize free markets. I have found her book to be an important read in understanding the Chinese miracle that traverses the binary between socialism and capitalism. Her book shows that economic development does not necessarily depend on the prescriptions of neoclassical economics of free markets, unfettered trade, minimal government, and private enterprise.
Personally, I cannot emphasise enough what Komlos and his book have meant for me. He has infused a new passion by showcasing that economics is not an unnecessarily mathematical subject where abstract graphs and cumbersome mathematics... more
Personally, I cannot emphasise enough what Komlos and his book have meant for me. He has infused a new passion by showcasing that economics is not an unnecessarily mathematical subject where abstract graphs and cumbersome mathematics yield simplistic and obvious ideas or one which upholds the neoliberal status quo. Komlos illustrates that there are other ways to look at the same graphs and shows how populism, racism, and other real-world issues can be effectively addressed. In doing so, he has most effectively answered the clarion call of student activists (Earle et al., 2017), and in my opinion, better than anyone else. I hope that Komlos continues to write and publish as prolifically as ever.
is a collection of articles published in the Real-World Economics Review (Vol. 96, 2021). The book assembles 15 essays from leading heterodox economists who offer their vision of economics beyond economic theory and the current hegemonic... more
is a collection of articles published in the Real-World Economics Review (Vol. 96, 2021). The book assembles 15 essays from leading heterodox economists who offer their vision of economics beyond economic theory and the current hegemonic system of neoliberalism. This collection of essays provides an insight into ideas that could offer an alternative to the standard principles of economics.
Carney assumes a centrist position by balancing his critique of mainstream economic theory and market fundamentalism with the support for the dynamism and efficiency of markets in order to address the pressing issues of our times... more
Carney assumes a centrist position by balancing his critique of mainstream economic theory and market fundamentalism with the support for the dynamism and efficiency of markets in order to address the pressing issues of our times including financial crises, pandemics, and climate change. ... Carney’s first book for public consumption, for despite its voluminous length, the prose is simple, as it is targeted towards a broader audience. More importantly, it shows readers that when a distinguished central banker openly shares ideas that are akin to those in heterodox circles then standard neoclassical textbook theory really leaves much to be desired.
Wray (2022) has returned with a book that is situated between a primer and an academic text, intended for readers already familiar with the ‘basics of MMT’ (p.9). This complements Kelton’s (2020) arguments that the economy faces real, not... more
Wray (2022) has returned with a book that is situated between a primer and an academic text, intended for readers already familiar with the ‘basics of MMT’ (p.9). This complements Kelton’s (2020) arguments that the economy faces real, not financial constraints, and that taxes and borrowing are not needed for a currency-issuing government. ... Wray (2022) is an excellent complement to Kelton (2020) to introduce students to MMT, as it adds a grounding on issues pertaining to money to complement the dispelling of deficit myths.
Piketty argues against ceding economic issues to experts and argues that addressing climate change necessitates combating inequality. He ... questions the neoliberal prescriptions of low taxes, balanced budgets, free trade, budget... more
Piketty argues against ceding economic issues to experts and argues that addressing climate change necessitates combating inequality. He ... questions the neoliberal prescriptions of low taxes, balanced budgets, free trade, budget austerity, liberalization, deregulation, and free flow of capital. He critiques both state socialism and Chinese socialism, and instead supports democratic, decentralized, and participatory socialism that is based on confiscatory tax rates, having employees on board of directors, the provision of universal education and healthcare, basic income, guaranteed employment, and inheritance for all to address income and wealth inequality. ... Thus, Piketty offers a narrative that rejects both capitalism and state socialism and instead upholds a democratic, decentralized, ecological, and participatory socialism.
Piketty argues that identity thumping that rests on strengthening immigration laws and trade protectionism can only be effectively tackled by addressing the structural issue of inequality. This happens by taxing wealth, high incomes, and... more
Piketty argues that identity thumping that rests on strengthening immigration laws and trade protectionism can only be effectively tackled by addressing the structural issue of inequality. This happens by taxing wealth, high incomes, and corporate profits, and by investing in education, universal healthcare, and transition to green energy. He counters the mainstream neoclassical logic that seemingly defends the status quo, arguing that if we keep stating that it is impossible to make the richest individuals pay, we run the risk of future rebellions. In making this stand against such hegemonic worldviews, he expresses that “there is no universal law of economics” and that everyone must “draw their own conclusions without allowing themselves to be intimidated by the well-argued opinions of others”.

Review is here:  https://www.elgaronline.com/view/journals/ejeep/19/3/article-p415.xml
Through the voices of 29 noted experts, the editors Blanchard and Rodrik make a strong and persuasive case to combat inequality by centering it in mainstream economics instead of relegating the topic to heterodox economics. Indeed, their... more
Through the voices of 29 noted experts, the editors Blanchard and Rodrik make a strong and persuasive case to combat inequality by centering it in mainstream economics instead of relegating the topic to heterodox economics. Indeed, their work teaches ECON 101 students that economists should be at the forefront of tackling inequality instead of making the usual naysaying arguments that “we can’t afford it”, “we don’t have enough evidence” or that “incentives will be distorted.”

Review is here:
https://www.elgaronline.com/view/journals/ejeep/19/2/article-p294.xml
Krugman teaches both instructors and students of ECON 101 to avoid upholding simplistic axioms on rational individuals, unfettered markets and perfect competition, which lead to prescriptions against the minimum wage and in favour of... more
Krugman teaches both instructors and students of ECON 101 to avoid upholding simplistic axioms on rational individuals, unfettered markets and perfect competition, which lead to prescriptions against the minimum wage and in favour of lower tax rates. He emphasizes that advocates of unrestricted corporate power and minimal wage protection have been getting away with it for far too long. To summarize, Krugman helps readers understand that it is time to reject spending cuts on healthcare and education, to push against lower corporate taxes and push for wealth taxes, to support the carbon tax and reject funnelling billions into pipelines, and above all to temper the textbook neoclassical paradigm in ECON 101 with a heavy dose of reality.

Review is here: https://www.elgaronline.com/view/journals/ejeep/19/1/article-p174.xml
The book edited by Fullbrook and Morgan is a collection of articles published in Issue 89 of the journal, Real-World Economics Review. It assembles eighteen articles from experts who offer their vision or criticism of Modern Monetary... more
The book edited by Fullbrook and Morgan is a collection of articles published in Issue 89 of the journal, Real-World Economics Review. It assembles eighteen articles from experts who offer their vision or criticism of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) that has been popular in the media given fiscal austerity, stagnating wages, rising inequality, and climate change. This review focuses on salient ideas that could be presented to economics students in a way that would challenge mainstream viewpoints including that budget deficits crowd out private investment, that government spending is constrained by taxes and borrowing, or that money is solely created by the central bank.
Indeed, on LGBTQ Muslim affirmation in Islam, Hussein and I have had to address not just the story of the people of Lut, but also the Hadith texts on liwat, the mukthannathun (effeminates), the Hadith texts on ityan bil dubur (anal sex),... more
Indeed, on LGBTQ Muslim affirmation in Islam, Hussein and I have had to address not just the story of the people of Lut, but also the Hadith texts on liwat, the mukthannathun (effeminates), the Hadith texts on ityan bil dubur (anal sex), the Hadith on awrah (nakedness of private parts), texts on the Companions and the successors, juristic discourse on liwat, and the various arguments made by fiqh minded Muslims that include those based on fitrah (nature), obedience without question, consensus, whims, slippery slope, trials and tests by Allah and also procedural issues on marriage, divorce, iddah (waiting period), polygamy et al. We also had to deconstruct that arguing for the case for same-sex unions is not apostasy. In essence, our work, based on years of discussions with fiqh minded Muslims, while motivated by the quest for justice to affirm intimacy, affection and companionship for LGBTQ Muslims, has been mostly based on the nitty gritty of Islamic law.

Link: https://themaydan.com/2020/10/hacking-islamic-law/
Islamic Law and Muslim Same-Sex Unions is necessary reading for anyone who has an interest in the subject of sexual diversity and the Islamic tradition. ... The authors are exceedingly competent in engaging with the source material and... more
Islamic Law and Muslim Same-Sex Unions is necessary reading for anyone who has an interest in the subject of sexual diversity and the Islamic tradition. ... The authors are exceedingly competent in engaging with the source material and providing a comprehensive examination of the relevant qur’anic verses, the Tafsir and Hadith literature and the works of Muslim scholars – past and present – on the issue of same-sex desire and sexual conduct. They demonstrate a notable ability to move seamlessly between various works, and to weave a specific representation from the source material and at the same time bring forth elements they build upon to support their argument.
Altogether, with its emic perspective, the book provides an extensive reference source on the inner-Islamic discussion for gay and lesbian Muslims and can be used as a strong base for an argumentation that situates same-sex unions within... more
Altogether, with its emic perspective, the book provides an extensive reference source on the inner-Islamic discussion for gay and lesbian Muslims and can be used as a strong base for an argumentation that situates same-sex unions within Islamic law tradition. For scholars of gender, sexuality and religion the book is an interesting source for studying a queer-religious argumentative strategy developing a progressive-positive Islamic understanding of homosexuality and same-sex unions.
"The hopefulness of the authors appears deliberately contagious ... Without the efforts of scholars such as these, the same will never be sanctioned within religious circles. Their work is meaningful, timely and breathes life and hope... more
"The hopefulness of the authors appears deliberately contagious ... Without the efforts of scholars such as these, the same will never be sanctioned within religious circles. Their work is meaningful, timely and breathes life and hope into weary rhetoric. Queer-positive Islam is not only possible, it is here." ~ Brenda Anderson
"I am in awe how much research had to go into creating a book this comprehensive on a topic ... this instantly became the best English reference work on the subject of Islam and sexual diversity. ... you will be challenged beyond... more
"I am in awe how much research had to go into creating a book this comprehensive on a topic ... this instantly became the best English reference work on the subject of Islam and sexual diversity. ... you will be challenged beyond complacency and stagnation by this book. It indulges in analysis of every ingredient ... This is an invaluable resource, bar none."
Research Interests:
There are people who claim that their eyes were opened when they read the Qur’an and so they adopted the Islamic faith. For me, Komlos showed me economics bereft of the mathematics but one which engaged with the standard economics... more
There are people who claim that their eyes were opened when they read the Qur’an and so they adopted the Islamic faith. For me, Komlos showed me economics bereft of the mathematics but one which engaged with the standard economics textbooks. Just as there are multiple ways of understanding the scriptures and the Qur’anic text, as evident in progressive Muslim circles, I learned that there were alternate ways to understand standard economic theory and models. The approach was rigorous, and I became a believer. Whereas my thesis supervisor retired, and I lost contact with him, Komlos became my mentor. I coloured myself in his colour. This was it. I had found the way ahead in my teaching and research career.
This lesson plan is intended for a college undergraduate audience. The objective of this lesson is to shed light on emerging Islamic scholarship that affirms Muslim same-sex unions in contrast to the neo-traditional stance on the... more
This lesson plan is intended for a college undergraduate audience. The objective of this lesson is to shed light on emerging Islamic scholarship that affirms Muslim same-sex unions in contrast to the neo-traditional stance on the prohibition of homosexual acts.