By the 1950s the percentage of all economic doctorates awarded to women had dropped to a record low of less than five percent. Providing a richer understanding of the sociology of the economics profession, this book presents the oral histories of the female economists who received PhDs between 1950 and 1975. Their post-war experiences as family members, students and professionals illustrate the challenges that were faced by women, and in some cases African-Americans, in a white male dominated profession. In this way the gender ambiguities embedded in the post-war culture are examined, and current improvements needed within the profession are identified.
Olsen and Emami present an impressive scope of philosophical perspectives, career paths, research interests, feminist proclivities, and observations about the profession and women's place within it. The engaging style and insightful contributions will appeal to academics and students of economics and sociology, as well as anyone interested in gender.