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Lesson 2, Topic 4
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Critiques: Neoclassical vs feminist paradigm

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The feminist economics criticizes the neoclassical paradigm and its political correlates. Below we are summarising the key assumptions of both paradigms highlighting the key differences. (8) (9) (10)

 

Neoclassical paradigm

Feminist paradigm

Bases

The neoclassical paradigm is considered to be mainstream and is rooted in complex and technical discourses and methodologies. It prevails in academic as well as political institutions.

The feminist paradigm is lacking in integrated theoretical base and common platforms to discuss and disseminate alternative views.

Keywords

The key words are: free market, competition, individualism, rationality, individual interests, separation of ends and means, growth and progress as ultimate objectives and universal principles of social evolution 

The key words are: gender, inclusion, equality, solidarity, social relationships, action and reproduction, unpaid domestic work and care-giving, human well-being as a measure of economic success, ethical dimensions

Actors

“Homo Economicus” = a universal figure, an active agent on the labour market who is self-sufficient, selfish and rational. Homo economicus is free from societal influence and has clearly defined preferences. They operate in an ideal market based on self-interest where prices are the only means of communication. Homo Economicus has unlimited desires and limited resources and is able to optimise his/her choices.

“Relational human beings” = people are relational and they are defined by many variables (e.g., gender, age, race, social class, religion, beliefs, values, migration status, family status etc.). They are influenced by the societies they live in. People’s choices are influenced by many factors, and they have different opportunities resulting from unequal positions.

Free trade

Neoclassical economists follow David Ricardo’s theory of comparative advantage and consider trade as a tool helping everyone to have a better position through efficiency gains from specialisation and greater efficiency.

In contrast, feminist economists point out that specialisation might lead to increased vulnerability. An example is specialisation in the cultivation of a single cash crop for export in Africa which leads to vulnerability to price fluctuations, weather conditions or pests. Moreover, the earnings from cash crops are traditionally controlled by men.

Family

Family is an economic unit which searches for its self-interest outside the household, whereas it behaves altruistically inside to reduce possible conflicts. Family members specialise in activities where they have a comparative advantage: men in the labour market, women in unpaid domestic and care work. (Based on Gary Becker´s model of “new family” in 1970s)

Family is regarded as a social institution backed up by laws. Thus, the state is an important actor which intervenes in families. According to feminist economists the family has crucial role in development of future citizens. Domestic and care work are unequally distributed. The family constrains or enables women’s freedoms.

Labour

Childcare and domestic work are regarded as non-market activities. Thus, their value is not included into variables creating economic growth.

Childcare and domestic work are important phenomena which should be valued and incorporated into national accounts.

Power

Neoclassical approach sees sale of labour as a mutually beneficial exchange. As such, the notion of power is not an issue since both parties, an employer and an employee, are equal no matter their gender.

Feminist approach calls for attention to power inequities in employer-employee relations since men are often favoured and women tend to be disadvantaged in the workplace. Power and patriarchy are important terms to consider when analysing the functionality of economic institutions.

Inequities

Conventional neoclassical theories consider inequities on the labour market as a result of free choices made by women and men. Women and men have different preferences or abilities which result in different status and position.

Feminist economists see inequities such as gender pay gap, occupational segregation or glass ceiling as a consequence of discrimination, patriarchal beliefs, sexism or stereotyping.

8 – Agenjo-Calderón, A. & Gálvez-Muñoz, L. (2009). Feminist Economics: Theoretical and Political Dimensions. The American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Volume 78, Issue 1, 137-166. 9 – Satz, Debra (2017). Feminist Perspectives on Reproduction and the Family. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Edward N. Zalta (ed.). Available at: https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2017/entries/feminism-family    , 10- Schneider, Geoff; Shackelford, Jean (2012). Ten Principles of Feminist Economics: A Modestly Proposed Antidote. Dept. of Economics, Bucknell University. Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20120630022557/http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/gschnedr/FemPrcpls.htm

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