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Pioneering Feminist Economics: Barbara Bergmann’s Contributions to Gender Issues

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  • Giandomenica Becchio

    (University of Torino)

Abstract

Barbara Bergmann’s exploration of gender issues, especially the intra-house division of labor and marriage theory, was a central focus in early feminist economics (1970–1980s). Trained in mathematics and economics, she initially examined race and gender-based occupational segregation. Her scrutiny of gender inequality in the labor market led her to investigate resource distribution within families and spousal labor division, rejecting Becker’s New Home Economics. This paper has a twofold aim: First, showcasing Bergmann’s impact on intra-house power dynamics, primarily critiquing Becker's neoclassical approach; second, revealing her feminist agenda through lesser-known materials, whether unpublished or in the popular press.

Suggested Citation

  • Giandomenica Becchio, 2024. "Pioneering Feminist Economics: Barbara Bergmann’s Contributions to Gender Issues," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 50(4), pages 472-495, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:easeco:v:50:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1057_s41302-024-00267-4
    DOI: 10.1057/s41302-024-00267-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Drucilla Barker, 1995. "Economists, social reformers, and prophets: a feminist critique of economic efficiency," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 1(3), pages 26-39.
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    13. Shoshana Grossbard, 2006. "The New Home Economics at Columbia and Chicago," Springer Books, in: Shoshana Grossbard (ed.), Jacob Mincer A Pioneer of Modern Labor Economics, chapter 7, pages 37-49, Springer.
    14. Myra Strober, 1995. "Do young women trade jobs for marriage? A skeptical view," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 1(1), pages 197-205.
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    21. Shelley Phipps & Peter Burton, 1995. "Social/institutional variables and behavior within households: An empirical test using the Luxembourg income study," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 1(1), pages 151-174.
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    24. Lea†Rachel Kosnik, 2018. "A Survey Of Jel Codes: What Do They Mean And Are They Used Consistently?," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(1), pages 249-272, February.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Barbara Bergmann; Labor discrimination; Methodology; Feminist economics; Economics of the family;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B20 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - General
    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • B54 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Feminist Economics

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