Women and Economics: A Study of the Economic Relation Between Men and Women as a Factor in Social Evolution

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's groundbreaking work, Women and Economics, was published in 1898 and hailed as a leading intellectual in the women's movement. By the mid-1960s, she was nearly forgotten, and the book was out of print. However, this revised edition remains a seminal feminist text that anticipates issues and thinkers of the 1960s and continues to resonate in the debate about gender difference and inequality. Gilman's ideas integrate socialist thought and Darwinian theory, challenging the male-dominated canon of American economic and social thought. She emphasizes the connection between work and home, calls for childcare facilities and parental leave policies, and advocates for new housing arrangements with communal kitchens and hired cooks. The introduction by Michael Kimmel and Amy Aronson provides valuable information about Gilman's life, personality, and impact on feminism since the Sixties, establishing her crucial role in the emergence of feminist and social thought.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

When Charlotte Perkins Gilman's groundbreaking work, Women and Economics, was first published a century ago in 1898, she was immediately acclaimed as the leading intellectual in the women's movement. Her ideas spread far and wide, captivating audiences and drawing the attention of some of the most prominent thinkers of her time. However, by the mid-1960s, her name had faded from public memory, and the book had long been out of print. Fortunately, this seminal work has been revived, with a new introduction, and it remains a pivotal feminist text that anticipates many of the issues and thinkers of the 1960s and continues to resonate deeply with our ongoing discussions about gender difference and inequality.

Gilman's ideas are a unique blend of socialist thought and Darwinian theory, offering a refreshing departure from the predominantly male canon of American economic and social thought. She emphasizes the interconnectedness between work and home, as well as the interplay between public and private spheres. She foresaw the debates of the 1960s regarding wages for housework, advocating for comprehensive childcare facilities and parental leave policies. She also proposed innovative housing arrangements, including communal kitchens and hired cooks, to address the needs of women and families.

One of Gilman's most significant contributions lies in her belief that women's entry into the public arena and the reforms of the family would be mutually beneficial. She argued that by allowing women to participate more fully in the workforce, the public sphere would gain access to their unique abilities and perspectives, while men would have the opportunity to expand their emotional connections and experiences within the family. This vision of gender equality and harmonious relationships between the sexes remains a powerful and relevant message in today's world.

The thorough and stimulating introduction by Michael Kimmel and Amy Aronson provides valuable insights into Gilman's life, personality, and background. It traces her impact on feminism since the 1960s and establishes her crucial role in the emergence of second-wave feminism. This revival of Women and Economics is a testament to the enduring significance of Gilman's ideas and her enduring legacy as a feminist visionary. Her work continues to inspire and challenge us to reimagine our societal structures and embrace a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 203 x 133 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520356818