Intersectional Political Economy

Summary

In a thought-provoking discussion, Nancy Folbre, professor emerita at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, examines the complexities of economic and social inequalities. She critiques traditional class definitions and emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach, recognizing how overlapping hierarchies affect individuals' experiences and political engagement. Folbre argues that understanding the interconnections between various forms of inequality is essential for fostering effective coalitions for change. She also highlights the importance of addressing social reproduction and labor dynamics in the context of climate change and global cooperation, advocating for a more holistic and sustainable political economy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Intersectionality highlights how various forms of inequality—such as economic, social, and political—are interconnected.
• 🤔 Traditional definitions of class are evolving to include broader social hierarchies based on race, gender, and privilege.
• 🔗 Economic exploitation and social oppression are not mutually exclusive; they often intersect and reinforce each other.
• 🌍 Feminist economics has adapted to include concerns about racial and ethnic disparities, reflecting a more inclusive political economy.
• 🌱 Understanding social reproduction is crucial to addressing broader societal issues, including climate change and inequality.
• ⚖️ Effective coalitions for political change must recognize and unite around shared identities and goals to overcome divisions.
• 💔 Loss aversion plays a significant role in maintaining the status quo, as individuals fear losing existing privileges.
• 🌎 Global challenges, like climate change, require coordinated efforts that transcend individual self-interest for collective benefits.
• 🏗️ Economic systems need to account for unpriced natural assets and social processes that affect long-term sustainability.
• 🤝 The intersectional approach helps clarify why certain coalitions form and how they can work towards a more equitable global economy.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Nancy Folbre's work?

Nancy Folbre focuses on the intersections of economics, gender, and class, exploring how different forms of inequality relate to one another, especially in the context of social and economic reproduction.

How does Folbre define class in relation to modern society?

Folbre suggests that class is evolving from a strict owner versus worker definition to encompass broader relationships defined by inequalities, including gender and race, which reflect access to resources and power.

What is the relationship between economic oppression and social oppression according to Folbre?

Folbre argues that economic exploitation and social oppression are not mutually exclusive; instead, they are intertwined, with both types of inequality often stemming from differences in bargaining power based on group membership.

What impact has intersectionality had on feminist economics?

Intersectionality has led to a broader understanding in feminist economics, emphasizing the importance of considering various forms of inequality, such as race and ethnicity, in discussions of gender and economic policies.

What is the significance of the term 'social reproduction' in Folbre's discussion?

Social reproduction refers to the processes through which society maintains and reproduces itself, including the production of labor and social cooperation, which are crucial for addressing contemporary crises like climate change.

Why does Folbre argue that the pursuit of self-interest can be problematic?

Folbre suggests that the single-minded pursuit of self-interest can lead to detrimental outcomes, such as environmental degradation and social inequality, because it fails to account for the interconnectedness of societal challenges.

How does Folbre describe the challenges of coordinating collective action?

Folbre notes that coordination problems require cooperation, as individuals often face conflicting interests that hinder their ability to work together for mutual benefit, especially in addressing global issues.

What role does loss aversion play in maintaining social hierarchies?

Folbre explains that loss aversion—the tendency to prefer avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains—contributes to the persistence of social hierarchies, as individuals may resist changes that threaten their existing privileges.

In what ways does Folbre suggest political coalitions can be formed?

Folbre believes that effective political coalitions require uniting around a vision that significantly improves participants' circumstances, considering various dimensions of identity such as class and gender.

What is Folbre's view on the relationship between economic systems and environmental crises?

Folbre posits that current economic systems incentivize over-exploitation of natural resources, contributing to environmental crises, and calls for a re-evaluation of how these systems account for both natural and social costs.