SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This book brings together the research of leading feminist economists in the area of gender and austerity economics. By conducting a rigorous gender-impact analysis at national and pan-European levels, not only do the chapters of the book offer thorough evidence for the detrimental gender-impact of austerity policies across Europe, but they also provide readers with concrete suggestions of alternative policies that national governments and the European Union should adopt. The focus is on the creation of gender-equitable economic policies for Europe, where expansionary fiscal policies and investment in physical infrastructure are accompanied by investment in social infrastructure and the care economy. A combination of country case studies and cross-country empirical analysis reveals the scope and channels through which women and men have been impacted by austerity policies in Europe and goes on to offer readers the opportunity to assess the feasibility and implications of a feminist alternative to continued austerity. This book is invaluable to social science students and researchers as well as policy-makers searching not just for a Plan B to continued austerity policies but for a Plan F – a feminist economic strategy to stimulate sustainable economic recovery.