Missing Voices in Economics

Abstract

Women are underrepresented in the field of economics. Why is there a gender disparity in this discipline? How does this impact economic policy? What does this mean for society? This contributed volume explores the underrepresentation of women in the field of economics. Offering unique empirical approaches into gender imbalance in a profession, this book documents the leaky pipeline that women face in the field of economics. Contributors draw upon quantitative and qualitative data, exploring unique challenges and opportunities women economists encounter in their personal and professional lives. Chapters highlight issues of discrimination and implicit bias, such as silencing, mansplaining, and the presumption of incompetence. These sections bring to life the experiences of female students and faculty, examining teaching, hiring, colleague interactions, and tenure and promotion processes. The authors propose mechanisms to increase diversity and improve the experiences of all faculty members. Missing Voices in Economics explores whether historical sexist structures are slowing progress in economic research and, as a result, human development. Readers will walk away from the book ready to continue this conversation and support gender equity in economics. Veronika Dolar is Associate Professor in the economics department at Pace University. She was born in Slovenia, which was within Yugoslavia. Dolar obtained her international baccalaureate in Italy at the United World College of the Adriatic and went on to graduate summa cum laude from Western University. She earned a PhD in applied economics from the University of Minnesota. Teresa Perry is Assistant Professor in the economics department at California State University, San Bernardino. She graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with an undergraduate degree in economics and later obtained a master's degree in economics from Colorado State University. Perry earned a PhD in economics from Colorado State University.