TITLE:
Women in Development: A Critique of Neo-Classical Economic Theory as One of the Causes for Gender Inequality
AUTHORS:
Reham El Morally
KEYWORDS:
Gender Dynamics, Neo-Classical Economics, Discrimination, Global Economy, Structural Adjustment Programs, Global South
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Political Science,
Vol.10 No.1,
December
6,
2019
ABSTRACT: This research reviews and critiques neoliberalism and neoclassical
economics for them being one of the main causes for the subordination and
oppression of women. This research does not claim that neoliberalism is the
axis of evil; however it discusses how alternative economic and political theories can
be more useful and efficient for women and gender development. The research
question is mainly concerned with how far do neoclassical economic theories
perpetuate and intensify power struggle between genders? The research argues
for neoclassical economic theory being a main driving force in the
subordination and oppression of women, especially in global South countries
that have been subjugated to structural adjustment. In order to do so, this
research utilizes an intersectional feminist framework of analysis to
methodologically deconstruct neoclassical economic theory and critically
investigate their gendered effects on beneficiary countries. Moreover,
the political conceptual framework of “inside-outside”, pioneered
by Robert Cox, is the analytical tool used throughout this research. The
research will, therefore, first clarify the difference between gender and sex,
and clarify what I mean when I say “neoclassical economic theory”. Followed by a criticism of how neoclassical economics is a theory of discrimination. An argument for the
non-existence of a separation between the global level and the social level
when analyzing gender relations will be the primary objective of this study.
Lastly, the research discusses how structural adjustment programs affect women,
specifically women living in poverty and armed conflict.