'The Jungle Book' offers an unconventional tool for undergraduate economics education

September 7, 2026 - 21:06

A new paper in the International Journal of Pluralism and Economics Education suggests that Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book" might hold more than just childhood nostalgia. The study argues that the original stories, which are far darker and more complex than the Disney adaptations, can work as an unconventional but effective tool for undergraduate economics courses.

The research points out that the tales are not simply about a boy raised by wolves. They are full of real-world themes like resource scarcity, property rights, collective action, and the tension between individual incentives and social rules. For instance, the wolves' debate over whether to keep Mowgli in the pack mirrors discussions about immigration and membership in a community. The monkeys' chaotic and unproductive society, led by the vain King Louie, offers a clear example of what happens when there is no clear system of governance or enforcement of agreements. Even the truce at the water hole during a drought shows how shared needs can force cooperation among rivals, a basic lesson in public goods and common-pool resources.

The author of the paper suggests that using a familiar narrative can help students grasp abstract concepts more easily than a standard textbook. It makes them think critically about the rules that shape economic behavior, rather than just memorizing formulas. The stories also allow for discussion of power, fairness, and the limits of markets, topics often left out of introductory courses. While not a replacement for rigorous theory, "The Jungle Book" is proposed as a bridge, helping students see economics in the world around them, even in a jungle full of talking animals.