Economics and Gender Equality: A Lens from Within

Abstract

This paper considers three aspects in which the issue of gender inequalities arises and is treated within the field of economics. First, I consider the premises on which gender inequality and discrimination have been conceptualized in traditional economic frameworks. Second, I consider how contemporary policy discourse—the “business case” for gender equality—might be reconciled with conventional economic models. Third, turning to the economics profession, I consider how the ways economists navigate gender equality might apply to the profession itself.

Keywords: gender inequality, policy discourse, economics profession

JEL Classification: A13, B29, D02, D63, J71, J16