Critical Social Inquiry 0139 - Gender & Economic Development

This course examines the often contradictory impacts of economic development on gender relations in developing countries. The course begins with an introduction to alternative approaches to economics and to economic development, focusing on the differences between neoclassical and feminist economics. We will then go on to examine and critique the theoretical frameworks that have shaped the gender perspective in economic development. This will be followed by an exploration of the impacts of economic development policy on men and women and on gender relations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Special topics will include the household as a unit of analysis; women's unpaid labor, the gendered impacts of economic restructuring and economic crisis; post-conflict reconstruction; microcredit; agriculture and agricultural policy; the feminization of the labor force in the formal and informal sectors of the global economy.

Power, Community and Social Justice Multiple Cultural Perspectives Quantitative Skills Writing and Research Students are expected to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.