Gender in Economics and Business

Examining how gender shapes economic outcomes, organizational structures, and business practices, this course is organized into four sections. Foundational Frameworks and Macroeconomic Gaps covers the social construction of gender, the economics of care, and gender disparities in labor force participation and pay. Gender Dynamics in the Modern Workplace addresses leadership, workplace culture, harassment, intersectionality, and legal frameworks for equality. Advanced Topics and Future Frontiers explores the intersections of gender with technology, health, social norms, and corporate responsibility frameworks. Synthesis and Application culminates in hands-on data workshops and a final research project in which students apply course concepts to real-world issues.

Students develop analytical tools for critically evaluating gender-related challenges in contemporary organizations and public policy.

In the first section on Foundational Frameworks and Macro-Economic Gaps, students will deconstruct the concept of gender, differentiate it from sex, and understand how it becomes embedded in our organizations and institutions. We will analyze the "invisible" work of the care economy using tools like Time-Use Surveys and then apply this lens to understand persistent gaps in labor force participation, occupational segregation, and wages.

In the second section on Gender Dynamics in the Modern Workplace, we will shift our focus to the micro-level of the firm. We will investigate the "labyrinth" of female leadership, critique leadership norms coded as masculine, and analyze the dynamics of power and sexual harassment. Students will gain a firm understanding of India's key legal frameworks, like the POSH Act, and explore how intersecting identities of caste and class shape workplace experiences.

In the third section, we will explore Advanced Topics and Future Frontiers. We will debate the impact of automation and the gig economy on gender equality, analyze the link between social norms and women's health outcomes, and explore the concept of economic abuse within the broader context of gender-based violence. The module will also examine how gender is being integrated into corporate strategy through CSR and ESG reporting.

The concluding section, Synthesis and Application, is dedicated to skill-building. Through two hands-on data workshops using national datasets, students will develop practical analytical skills. The course culminates in a final research project, allowing students to deeply investigate a topic of their choice.

After completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Apply economic and sociological theories to analyze how gender shapes markets and organizations.
• Analyze the key drivers of gender gaps in labor markets, pay, and leadership.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of corporate policies and public laws aimed at promoting gender equality.
• Critically assess contemporary issues like the future of work, ESG, and intersectionality through a gender lens.
• Develop proficiency in using large-scale datasets to answer gender-related questions in economics and business.

By the end of this course, each student will have had the opportunity to:

1. Know the key theoretical frameworks for understanding gender, from social construction to gendered organizations.
2. Understand the trade-offs and impacts of policies related to parental leave, workplace safety, and pay equity.
3. Evaluate causal statements and empirical evidence in academic research on gender economics.
4. Analyse and evaluate corporate responses to gender inequality through case studies and real-world examples.
5. Apply learnings from academic papers to propose solutions to organizational challenges.
6. Synthesize learnings from the course to produce an original research project using quantitative or qualitative analysis.

There is no single required textbook. All required readings (academic papers, reports, and book chapters) and lecture slides will be uploaded to the LMS. However, the following books are excellent resources for deeper understanding:

• The Economics of Gender by Francine D. Blau, Marianne A. Ferber, and Anne E. Winkler.
• Gender and Development by Janet Henshall Momsen.

We will upload the required readings for each week on LMS. These will be academic papers, reports, or book excerpts related to the topic being discussed in class that week, so the readings should be completed prior to class.