The Magic Money Tree? Women, Economic Power and Development in a Globalized World

• In Event: 248 - Section on Sociology of Development Paper Session. Inequality and Development

Abstract

Blumberg’s gender stratification and gender and development theories posit that women’s relative economic power – their control of income and other assets – is the most important although far from the only factor affecting their position. This paper presents theory and a compilation of research concerning the outcomes of women’s economic empowerment vs. their economic disempowerment. Their economic empowerment is linked to a cornucopia of benefits from micro to macro levels. These range from greater gender equality to enhanced development, peace and well-being. At the micro level, with greater economic power, women have more freedom of movement and say in household decisions, including their own fertility (which they overwhelmingly choose to curb). They also tend to spend income they control on children’s nutrition, health and education – human capital – more than counterpart men. At the macro level, both decreased fertility and increased human capital are linked to greater national income growth and well-being. Economically disempowered women are more subjugated, have higher fertility and children with poorer nutrition, health and education. Their societies have more armed conflict and worse economic and well-being indicators.

Author

• Rae Lesser Blumberg, University of Virginia