Theory and Conceptual Pillars of Feminist Economics
Feminist economics remains marginal within mainstream economics teaching, research and policymaking. Conventional economic approaches frequently overlook the gendered organisation of economies and the paid and unpaid work required to sustain households, communities and societies.
The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), and the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Economics co-hosted the inaugural Feminist Economics Summer School. The ten-day programme brought together approximately 20 participants from academia, civil society and government.
FESS 2020 focused on the Theory and Conceptual Pillars of Feminist Economics. It introduced participants to the theoretical, practical and methodological foundations needed to analyse economic policy from a feminist perspective.
The School challenged economic thinking centred narrowly on markets, growth and accumulation. It instead foregrounded human needs, wellbeing and the social relationships through which economies operate. Participants examined how economic systems distribute resources, opportunities and responsibilities differently according to gender, race and class.
Across foundational microeconomic and macroeconomic discussions, the programme made visible forms of work and economic activity frequently excluded from conventional analysis. These included unpaid care, household production and social reproduction—the work required to sustain people and reproduce societies across generations.
The School also questioned the dominance of Western approaches to economic knowledge production. It created space to consider how feminist, intersectional, decolonial and African perspectives could enrich economic analysis and contribute to more relevant policy responses in South Africa and across the continent.
Workshops were facilitated by leading feminist economists and specialists in the field. Participants were encouraged to connect the concepts and analytical approaches covered during the School to their own research, policymaking and advocacy.
FESS 2020 laid the foundation for a longer-term initiative to strengthen feminist economic teaching, research and public discourse. It also began building a network of African scholars, practitioners and activists equipped to challenge economic orthodoxy and advance policy alternatives that place people, care and wellbeing at the centre.