Gender and the Dismal Science: Women in the Early Years of the Economics Profession

The economics profession is facing gender inequality, with women underrepresented and facing biases and barriers that hinder their full and equal participation. Gender and the Dismal Science by Ann Mari May examines the role of women in American economics from the late nineteenth century to the postwar period, highlighting the structural and institutional factors that excluded them. It reveals the historical roots of the homogeneity of economics and sheds new light on why biases against women persist today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The economics profession has been grappling with a longstanding issue of gender inequality, with women consistently underrepresented throughout the field. Those who choose to pursue careers in economics face numerous challenges that undermine their progress and opportunities. Women in economics report pervasive biases and barriers that hinder their full and equal participation, and these obstacles are particularly detrimental to women of color.

How did economics become such a boys' club? What lessons can we learn from this history as we strive for greater equality in the field?

Gender and the Dismal Science is a groundbreaking work that delves into the historical role of women in American economics from the late nineteenth century to the postwar period. Author Ann Mari May combines rich historical detail with extensive empirical data to examine the structural and institutional factors that excluded women from participating in the field.

Through her analysis of archival materials from the American Economic Association and novel data sets, May sheds light on the experiences of women in economics, including their achievements in writing monographs and publishing journal articles, their challenges in securing academic positions, their marginalization in professional associations, and other hurdles they faced as the discipline professionalized.

May emphasizes the formation of a hierarchical culture of status seeking within economics that hindered women's participation and shaped the field's knowledge to favor men. This book provides valuable insights into the historical roots of the homogeneity of economics and sheds new light on why biases against women persist today.

In conclusion, Gender and the Dismal Science is a crucial contribution to the study of gender inequality in economics. By examining the historical barriers and biases that have prevented women from participating fully in the field, May offers valuable insights into the ongoing challenges faced by women in economics and provides a roadmap for achieving greater equality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231192910