An Introduction to Feminist Economics

Our next event in our lecture series “An Introduction to Heterodox Economics: What they won’t teach you in an Economics Degree” will be presented by leading Development Economist and Professor at the Delhi Institute of Economic Growth, Bina Agarwal. Bina will be presenting us an introduction to Feminist Economics, a discussion of the economic implications of gender roles that is mostly overlooked by Neoclassical Economics.

INTRODUCTION TO FEMINIST ECONOMICS
Bina Argarwal
Tuesday the 1st of April
5-7pm University Place 1.219

There is great scope for bringing Feminism to economics. Gender inequality and women’s rights are a globally important issue. Diana Strassman refers to Amartya Sen’s research that says “100 million more women would be alive if they had access to basic resources”. Clearly this is an economically important result; explaining a loss so great should be one of the biggest focuses of economists who want to ‘make the world a better place’. Yet this can be blindsided by those only looking at the basic economic indicators such as GDP, which contains no such information about the gender differential.

In less developed countries we know that women lack inheritance rights, property rights and working rights by law and culture restrictions, and so their contribution cannot be included by many standard economic indicators. This leads us to ask just how much information Economists and policy-makers are missing by not considering the implications of gender in Economic theory. A more in depth appreciation of Feminist Economics can help Economists ask the right questions about the roles of women, and lay the groundwork for much more gender-inclusive policy making , which can only have positive impacts on future economic development.

10 Principles Of Feminist Economics (G.Schneider & J.Shackelford)

1. There can be no such thing as a definitive list of the principles of feminist economics.
2. Values enter into economic analysis at many different levels.
3. The Household is a locus of economic activity.
4. Non-market activities are important to the economy.
5. Power relationships are important in an economy.
6. A gendered perspective is central to the study of economics.
“ In parts of Africa, the traditional role of the woman as the provider of food allows the men to participate in other economic activities such as wage labor and cash-crop farming. In the U. S., the fact that most of the responsibility for household chores still falls to women allows men greater freedom to pursue careers that require long hours. “
7. Human beings are complex, and they are influenced by more than just material factors.
8. People compete, cooperate and care.
9. Government action can improve market outcomes.
10. The scope of economics must be interdisciplinary.

Watch Diana Strassman’s TEDx Talk: Bringing Feminism to Economics (Diana Strassman is the founding editor of the journal Feminist Economics.)

https://web.archive.org/web/20140626104018if_/http://www.youtube.com/embed/G5FXPIwC3x8?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparentPosted in Uncategorized | 1 Reply

’100 Words On Heterodox Economics’

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As part of the 100th issue of the Heterodox Economics Newsletter, 25 heterodox economists were asked to give their views on the matter in 100 words only , addressing the following questions :

1. How is heterodox economics different from mainstream-neoclassical economics?
2. What is the nature of heterodox economics?
3. What is the current state of heterodox economics (in your country or region)?
4. What should be done to advance heterodox economics?
5. Any advices for the future generation of heterodox economics?

Paolo Ramazzotti, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Macerata, Italy writes referencing several historical economists:

“I think there are various strands of thought within heterodox economics. This is one instance where variety is good. As far as I am concerned, I would emphasize that:

The economy is interdependent with the social and natural environment. It is an open system.

Economic relations are characterized by sequential interaction within a cumulative process (Kapp).

As a result of the previous two items, we should conceive of the present as history (Sweezy).

Many economists have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point is to change it (Marx, who actually referred to philosophers).

Economic inquiry should focus on the means to achieve a possible civilization (Keynes), one where the economy is re-embedded in society.

When theorizing or assessing economic thought, relevance should prevail over internal consistency. Prior to answers there must be questions (Myrdal).

I think there is more to heterodox economics than what distinguishes it from the mainstream.”

Other contributors include Lefteris Tsoulfidis, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Macedonia, Greece and the Editor of Bulletin of Political Economy who gives his summary on Heterodox Economists in Greece, and
John. E. King, Professor of Economics, School of Economics and Finance, La Trobe University, Australia who writes:

“Heterodox economics is concerned with the real world. It is pluralist, multi-disciplinary and policy-oriented.”

We’d love to hear your views, or own “100 words on Heterodox Economics”, below in the comments section. These questions and arguments are something to think about and discuss for all those interested in the future of heterodox economists, whether for or against!

For more information on advancements in Heterodox Economics, The Heterodox Economics Directory is a great source of updates. As well as locating exciting new research in heterodox economics and mathematical models, the HED also follows and supports the academic departments and institutions internationally where the campaigns for pluralism in economics are being centrally approached.