Inequality in Economics as a Profession
摘要
This chapter presents evidence of the challenges faced by women and underrepresented minorities in economics. It, first, examines the demographics of the economics profession, highlighting significant disparities in representation. Despite some progress, underrepresentation remains prevalent at educational levels and in various academic positions. Subsequently, the chapter reviews research on existing barriers and biases contributing to this underrepresentation. Recent work has emphasized the crucial role of attitudes and institutional practices throughout the career pipeline. The chapter highlights evidence of these barriers across stages of the academic journey, including research endeavors, publication processes, employment opportunities, promotion, and tenure considerations, as well as recent developments related to COVID-19 and the #MeToo movement. The chapter underscores the continued need for collective efforts from the economics community to confront these barriers through targeted research and innovative interventions. By enhancing the experiences and opportunities for underrepresented academics, the field of economics gains to be enriched through fostering a broader range of perspectives, which facilitate a deeper understanding of complex societal issues. In line with this objective, the chapter provides references to valuable data sources that researchers can utilize to investigate disparities and offer information about collectives and programs dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity through mentoring initiatives, research grants, and other forms of support.