Gender Economics: Theory and Practice

Gender Economics: Theory and Practice is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary work that explores the dynamic relationship between gender and economic development in contemporary society. The book presents both theoretical foundations and practical dimensions of gender economics, enabling students, researchers, and policymakers to understand how gender influences economic structures, labour markets, social institutions, and development policies. The book begins with a detailed introduction to the conceptual foundations of gender, gender studies, and gender economics. It explains the distinction between gender and sex, discusses femininity and gender mainstreaming, and analyses the role of international organizations, sustainable development goals, and constitutional provisions in promoting gender equality. Special attention is given to gender mainstreaming in India, local self-government initiatives, demographic aspects of women, and transgender policies. The second section examines the role of women in the labour market and national economy. It analyses workforce participation across genders, the contribution of Claudia Goldin and the U-shaped labour participation curve, gender discrimination and exploitation in formal and informal sectors, and the impact of globalization, liberalization, technology, and modernization on women’s employment and economic participation. The book further introduces important analytical and policy tools such as gender planning, gender budgeting, and gender auditing. Their concepts, processes, importance, and stakeholders are explained systematically with reference to the Indian context, making the subject accessible and application-oriented. A major focus of the book is women’s empowerment. It discusses gender equity in education, health, nutrition, property rights, and decision-making. The book also addresses crimes against women, legal protections, and various welfare and safety-net schemes introduced by the Government of India for the empowerment and protection of women. Designed according to contemporary academic requirements, this book combines theoretical insights, statistical perspectives, policy discussions, and practical examples. It serves as a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students, teachers, competitive examination aspirants, and anyone interested in understanding the economic dimensions of gender and inclusive development. The authors hope that this book will contribute towards creating greater awareness, academic understanding, and policy sensitivity regarding gender justice, equality, and women’s empowerment in India and beyond.

Divya P.J. (M.A. Economics, M.Ed., UGC-NET) is an academician and researcher with more than twelve years of teaching experience in higher education. She currently serves as Assistant Professor at Allied Institute of Management, Kerala. She holds postgraduate degrees in Economics and Education and has also completed M.Sc. Psychology through distance education from the University of Madras. Her research interests include Development Economics, Educational Psychology, Environmental Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, and Public Welfare Schemes. She has published research articles on AI-based crop protection in agriculture, interdisciplinary collaboration in higher education, sustainable waste management, and the effectiveness of welfare programmes. She is presently pursuing doctoral research under Bharathiar University, reflecting her continued commitment to academic excellence, research, and knowledge creation.

Dr. Sandhya K. Ramakrishnan (Ph.D. Economics, UGC-NET) is an economist and academician with over sixteen years of teaching and research experience. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and has served as faculty at institutions including the International Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR), New Delhi, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, and Government Arts and Science College, Chelakkara, Kerala. Her areas of specialization include Development Economics, Health Economics, Digital Economy, and Public Policy. She has published research papers in reputed journals and has undertaken research projects funded by organizations such as WHO, ESIC, ICMR, and the European Commission. She is the author of Infant Mortality in Rajasthan (2008), Digital Economy (2024), and Knowledge Economy (2026). Dr. Sandhya continues to engage in teaching, research, and academic writing, contributing to the advancement of economic studies and policy- oriented research.

Vijaya K.M. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Govt. Victoria College, Palakkad, with more than 17 years of teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate education. She holds an M.A. in Economics from the University of Kerala and qualified the UGC-NET conducted by JNU. Her areas of specialization include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Development Economics, Banking, Economics of Financial Markets, International Trade, and the Indian Economy. She has actively guided student projects and participated in various national and international seminars, workshops, and faculty development programmes. Her research interests focus on Rural Development, Gender Economics, Financial Inclusion, Sustainable Development, and Tribal Development. Through her teaching and academic activities, she strives to promote critical thinking, analytical skills, and socially relevant economic understanding among students.