Page "Feminist economics" Paragraph 19

Feminist economics often assert that power relations exist within the economy, and therefore, must be assessed in economic models in ways that they previously have been overlooked.

For example, in " neoclassical texts, the sale of labor is viewed as a mutually beneficial exchange that benefits both parties.

No mention is made of the power inequities in the exchange which tend to give the employer power over the employee.

" These power relations often favor men and there is " never any mention made of the particular difficulties that confront women in the workplace.

" Consequently, " Understanding power and patriarchy helps us to analyze how male-dominated economic institutions actually function and why women are often at a disadvantage in the workplace.

" Feminist economists often extend these criticisms to many aspects of the social world, arguing that power relations are an endemic and important feature of society.