Women as shock absorbers in turbulent times

Bettina Lynda Bastian, Melissa Langworthy, Bronwyn P. Wood

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Women have acted as ‘shock absorbers’ (or ‘saviors’) in support of neoliberal capitalist economies, ‘saving the day’ in various ways such as providing free care services to society and supplying a reserve army of laborers in factories or offices. This chapter examines how women are used to absorb (and support) the various financial shocks that have occurred in the last 50 years - in particular, the recurring financial crises and the Covid-19 pandemic - and how they have been ‘mobilized’ toward entrepreneurship to diversify and relieve economic pressures. Our recommendations center on policy changes and call for more research into the patterning and costs of women’s work lives, especially entrepreneurs, and how they could be better supported to ease structural subordination.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWomen’s Entrepreneurship in a Turbulent Era
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
Pages189-205
Number of pages17
ISBN (Electronic)9781803920825
ISBN (Print)9781803920818
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2024

Keywords

  • Policy
  • Shock absorbers
  • Turbulent times
  • Women entrepreneurs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Economics,Econometrics and Finance
  • General Business,Management and Accounting
  • General Social Sciences

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