Gender‐aware analysis and development economics

Abstract

Abstract Economic analysis that is gender‐aware, in the sense of recognizing that all economic activity works through and within gendered relationships, has the potential to generate both a better understanding of the development process and a better understanding of the policies required to diminish gender inequality. This paper investigates the extent to which neoclassical and structuralist approaches to the economics of development are gender‐aware, and finds both paradigms seriously deficient. Two recent examples of gender‐aware development economics are discussed, and suggestions are made about how to improve gender‐awareness in development economics. The potential contribution of a critical institutionalist approach is highlighted.