This path breaking book - the first of its kind - critically evaluates the place of women in the development of the neoclassical school of economics. It traces the origin of the school's approach to women and exposes the bias in methodology and discourse which has characterized the school's treatment of women and their place in the capitalist economy.

The roots of women's invisibility are sought first in the writings of Adam Smith. The work of John Stuart Mill subsequently allows a study of an isolated attempt to integrate a feminist awareness into economic theory. The limits in Mill's writings are contrasted to the more radical ideas of his feminist contemporaries: Harriet Taylor and Barbara Bodichon. The author then examines the debate on equal pay for men and women which took place between 1890 and 1925. In conclusion she critically evaluates the work of Marshall and Pigou.

This book by the late Michele Pujol makes a major contribution both to the history of economic thought and to women's history by exposing the ideological position which informs neoclassical theorizing on women and the contradictions this position creates within the paradigm.

About the Author
The late Michele A. Pujol, formerly Assistant Professor, Women's Studies Programme, University of Victoria, Canada

Reviews
'This is a book the generalist will want in the university library, if not on the shelf.' -- Bette Polkinghorn, Journal of the History of Economic Thought
'Pujol's book is path-breaking, scholarly and well written. In short review, it is not possible to capture the full force of her arguments and the enormous contribution she makes to the feminist critique of economic thought.' -- Paulette Olson, Journal of Economic Issues
'This book, the first of its kind, critically evaluates the place of women in the development of the neoclassical school of economics. It traces the origin of the school's approach to women and exposes the bias in methodology and discourse which has characterized the school's treatment of women and their place in the capitalist economy.' -- J. Purvis, Studies on Women Abstracts
'Pujol performs a considerable service in disinterring early feminist writing on economic matters.' -- J.R. Shackleton, The Economic Journal
'Michele Pujol's work impresses me as sound and scholarly, and it makes an important contribution to knowledge, since she deals with material that has not previously been examined. Her work is well written and meets the need for a feminist approach to the history of economics.' -- Robert W. Dimand, Brock University, Canada
'. . . a thoughtful and well-documented book.' -- Marianne A. Ferber, Journal of Economic Literature
'Dr Pujol knows her subject well and has produced a thought-provoking book which will be of interest to labour economists and historians of economic thought. It could be usefully used in advanced undergraduate history of thought courses.' -- Carol Padgett, Reviewing Sociology
'Readers will find in this book a wealth of valuable information which illuminates the strategic role of gender differentiation and gender hegemony in the dominant models of economic theory'. -- Ursula Vogel, Political Studies



Book Information
ISBN 9781858988849
Author Michele A. Pujol
Format Paperback
Page Count 248
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd