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Gender, Feminist and Heterodox Economics: Interconnections and Differences in a Historical Perspective

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  • Giandomenica Becchio

    (University of Torino, Italy)

Abstract

Despite being interconnected, feminist and gender economics are different. Gender economics represents the application of neoclassical economics to economic issues related to gender, following a neoclassical methodological approach a la Becker that was developed in the New Home Economics. Feminist economics rejects neoclassical economics and it stands for a more pluralistic approach within the broad rubric of economics. This makes feminist economics close to heterodox economics. This paper reveals the history of feminist and gender economics as well as their similarities and differences. It also suggests that amongst heterodox approaches to economics, Austrian economics mostly suits feminist economics: their convergences are focused on the role of cooperation within institutions as well as on the place creativity has in the market and women’s attitude to problem solving.

Suggested Citation

  • Giandomenica Becchio, 2018. "Gender, Feminist and Heterodox Economics: Interconnections and Differences in a Historical Perspective," Economic Alternatives, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria, issue 1, pages 5-24, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nwe:eajour:y:2018:i:1:p:5-24
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gender; Feminism; history of economic thought; heterodox economics; neoclassical economics; Austrian economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • B53 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Austrian
    • B54 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Feminist Economics

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