Inclusion in Economics: Current and Historical Perspectives on Race and Gender in our Discipline
Paper Session
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (PST)
- Chair: Sarah F. Small, University of Utah
Can Gender Economics Courses Attract More Undergraduate Women to Economics Departments?
Abstract
: In this paper, we explore the underrepresentation of women in the economics discipline. We propose that an undergraduate introductory course focused on economics and gender may attract a more diverse group of majors than conventional economics classes. Using registrar data from Colorado State University, where an introductory Gender in the Economy class is offered, we investigate the relationship between enrollment in this course and the likelihood of undergraduate women taking additional economics courses. Our findings indicate that the Gender in the Economy class effectively stimulates interest in economics for both male and female undergraduates. The results suggest that a gender-aware economics curriculum can increase interest and retention among undergraduates, particularly among underrepresented populations, by offering a broader representation of economic actors and focusing on issues of inequality and social policy.Finding Space for Pluralism and Inclusion in Economics: Lessons from the Regional Economic Associations
Abstract
It is well-known that economics has a diversity problem. Little is known about what can be done about it. This paper develops some rubrics for promoting greater diversity in economics. A Sloan Foundation grant allowed us to interview economists instrumental in starting the Eastern Economic Association (EEA), as well as economists playing pivotal roles in the growth of this organization. The EEA was founded in 1974 with the goal of promoting diversity and pluralism within economics. Our previous work examined the success of the EEA in this regard, drawing on oral history and archival work. This paper expands on this work by also looking at the other two main regional economic organizations-- the Southerns and Westerns. These organizations all put out journals and run conferences. Publication in journals is crucial for tenure and professional advancement in economics. Conferences are important because of the need to make professional connections-- finding mentors and role models who can give advice, open doors to professional opportunities, and serve as co-authors. The lack of women and minorities having leadership positions in regional economic organizations is one reason that women and minorities find it hard to progress professionally. Such mentors are hard to find, especially in small departments, where it is unusual to have several faculty with similar interests. Regional economic associations thus have an important role to play in promoting greater inclusion and pluralism in economics. This paper looks at what has proven successful in promoting diversity and exclusion within the EEA and the other regional economic organizations. It ends by describing what economic associations can do to better promote diversity.Missing Voices of Women in Economics
Abstract
Many papers and studies have pointed to the fact that women are under-represented within economics. This is true even when economics is compared to the STEM fields. This paper explains the consequences of the lack of women's voices in economics. It emphasizes how the lack of gender diversity influences policy formulation and economic decision-making, and details what can be done about the biases permeating economic research and policymaking. The paper is international in scope, offering insights into the experiences of women economists across different geographic regions and professional settings, as well as insights into what has worked in different places. Ultimately, it serves as a call to action for the economics profession to recognize and address the systemic barriers that hinder the full participation of women. By amplifying diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment, the paper advocates for a more equitable treatment of women and for an economics profession that that does not ignore insights of women that benefit society as a whole.Discussant(s)
Laura Beltran
,
University of Utah
Iris Riddiford Graham
,
The New School for Social Research
Teresa Perry
,
California State University-San Bernardino
Sarah F. Small
,
University of Utah
JEL Classifications
- A1 - General Economics
- B2 - History of Economic Thought since 1925