She typically has weak access to information, markets, and formal institutions. Unlike the Homo Economicus (or ‘economic man’) of neo-classical economic theory who thinks independently, competes in markets, and makes self-interested choices, a woman in a traditional society typically finds herself at the center of powerful familial and social structures.
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#Spotlife geprgetown ma full#
The tools of economics, however, sometimes fail to capture the full breadth of factors that shape women’s lives. My approach to answering these questions is largely anchored in the discipline of my training: development economics. My recent research examines three questions at the core of these debates: (1) What kinds of public policies improve women’s well-being over the long term? I examine the impact of several different kinds of policies – family planning, maternal and child-health, cash-transfers, and environmental programs – on women’s health outcomes (2) How can women’s voices be strengthened at the grassroots level? I examine the potential of women’s groups (such as farmer cooperatives, savings groups) to strengthen their individual and collective agency (3) How do cultural and religious norms affect women’s opportunities? I explore the economic underpinnings of a cultural practice (i.e., marriage between cousins) and the interaction of gender with caste and religious identity in India. There is much less consensus, however, on exactly which types of policies are most effective at making a difference in women’s lives, or how such policies should be designed in large and diverse societies. This idea is not new! There is actually a pretty strong consensus in the academic literature that investing in the human capital of women is the key to sustainable development. I am interested in how the expansion of opportunities for women’s education, nutrition, health, employment, and political participation affects not only for women themselves, but also their children, families, communities, and countries. My research examines the role of women in economic development.
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Tell us about your publications: which ones have been your favorites and/or which ones do you feel are the most important? Below are select highlights of Professor Joshi’s accomplishments and long-standing relationship with GHD: She has taught GHDP 502 Political Economy of Development since 2015, one of the first core courses GHD students take in their fall semester. The Global Human Development Program celebrates Professor Shareen Joshi’s recent award of tenure within the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.