Ways to create a healthy environment for economists
The economics profession has struggled with diversity and inclusion from the beginning. Our failings hurt the science, hurt economists, and hurt people in the world. We must do better. It's time.
Cross posted from my macromom blog. Please read it’s important.
Economics must help all economists to thrive. We have work to do. I know from countless hours of mentoring. Many of their experiences break my heart and make me angry. I love economics, and it hurt to call it out as a disgrace. But that hurt is nothing compared to the hurt that comes to me. The hurt inflicted on me after my post is nothing compared to the hurt that comes to me.
Problems require solutions. Big problems require big solutions. I have demanded for years that leadership in the American Economics Association lead. Ask Ben Bernanke, Janet Yellen, Peter Rosseau, David Card, and anyone on the Executive Committee about my push in private and public. I am not alone. The list is long of other economists dedicating their time and putting their reputations on the line for others suffering. It’s time for all of us to lead.
It’s your turn. Do something. Anything. Make the economics profession a better place. It’s good for the science. It’s good for people. It’s good for you. Push yourself to act. Push your institution to act—no more excuses.
I have many ideas on how to make economics better. Here is a talk I give on creating a healthy, inclusive work environment. Send me questions or comments; add more resources or ideas in the comments, and use any material here. I am happy to speak with your group, whether it’s an academic department, a government agency, think tank, research institute, or any other workplace. We must stop hurting people. We must start supporting everyone.
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More Resources
Best Practices for Economists. American Economics Association.
Diversifying Economic Quality. Professor Amanda Bayer.
Racism and the Economy: Focus on the Economics Profession. Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
How Can Economics Solve Its Race Problem? Panel at Economics Annual Meeting in 2020.
Berkeley Women in Economics: Recap on Summit on Diversity in Economics.
Women in Economics: Symposium and Podcast Series. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Hello! I know this post is from a while ago so I don’t know if you’ll see but I thought I might as well try!
I’m almost 16 and have loved Econ since I was like 11. I loved to read the WSJ, watched so many Econ basics videos, and talked about the aggregate demand/aggregate supply model with as many people as I could. From what I’ve seen of the world and from reading people like you, I know a future in Econ can be *difficult* for women. Already I have been discouraged in math classes and encouraged to stick to history. Do you have any advice about how to start down the path of studying economics or someday a career for a young woman? Like would it actually be really beneficial if I knew a lot of math or was really well read on theory or had worked on any projects in these years? Thank you for your work!