Gender, Feminist and Heterodox Economics: Interconnections and Differences in a Historical Perspective

Abstract

Despite being interconnected, feminist and gender economics are different. Gender economics represents the application of neoclassical economics to economic issues  related to gender, following a neoclassical  methodological approach a la Becker that  was developed in the New Home Economics.  Feminist economics rejects neoclassical  economics and it stands for a more  pluralistic approach within the broad rubric of  economics. This makes feminist economics  close to heterodox economics. This paper reveals the history of feminist and gender  economics as well as their similarities and  differences. It also suggests that amongst heterodox approaches to economics, Austrian economics mostly suits feminist  economics: their convergences are focused  on the role of cooperation within institutions  as well as on the place creativity has in the  market and women’s attitude to problem  solving.