The Women Who Made Modern Economics

Author: Rachel Reeves

A powerful call to put the women back into economics and embrace a better future for all.

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Summary

A powerful call to put the women back into economics and embrace a better future for all.

Description

'Changes the narrative of economic history and provides a powerful call for action' Mark Carney

'If you want to follow the money, start here' Jeanette Winterson

'[A] thrilling, human account of how these brilliant pioneering women have changed our world for the better' Tina Brown

The Women Who Made Modern Economics rediscovers the stories of those whose contributions to economics have been overlooked for too long and argues for a fairer society.

Rachel Reeves's passionate, powerful and inspiring new book tells the untold stories of some of the women whose work, dreams and ideas have shaped modern economics and the way we think about the economy. Drawing on her own experiences and linking them to the women who have gone before, Rachel Reeves explores the ideas of economic theorists such as Harriet Martineau, Mary Paley Marshall and Joan Robinson. She also describes and analyses the contributions of today's policy makers like Janet Yellen, Gita Gopinath and Christine Lagarde, offering insight into how their work has influenced her.

As the potential next Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the first female Chancellor after 800 years, Reeves outlines her vision for the future of the economy: a future in which economic security is restored, family finances are boosted, and the economy grows to make every part of Britain better off.

Most importantly this book is dedicated to the women who have gone before and to those who will change our future.

Critic Reviews

Rachel Reeves writes to change not only "the narrative of economic history" to include leading women economists but also the very trajectory of economic policy by focusing on "everyday economics" of work, place and family. The Women who made Modern Economics provides the essential foundation for action in the new Age of Insecurity -- Mark Carney, Former Governor of the Bank of England
These stories are surprising, enraging, uplifting, optimistic. Reeves recovers those women sidelined from the history of economics and spotlights the women working today to change the narrative of wealth and poverty. If you want to follow the money, start here -- Jeanette Winterson

Every young woman who ever thought of economics as a "dry topic" should read Rachel Reeves thrilling, human account of how these brilliant pioneering women have changed our world for the better

-- Tina Brown
Here's a sweeping history of economic thinking, but its real revelations suggest what an extraordinary chancellor Rachel Reeves would be. Analysing a wide array of women economic thinkers, it's a deeper dive into Reeves's own thoughts and radical intentions than in any interview. I doubt any chancellor-in-waiting was ever both as erudite yet as practical on the economics of everyday lives. Or as good a writer -- Polly Toynbee
A truly pioneering book . . . An important and original voice in the politics and economics of Britain -- Harriet Harman, MP
This lucid, entertaining and meticulously researched book sets out comprehensively and compellingly the central role played by prominent female economists in shaping the foundations of economics and economic policy. By inspiring and encouraging future generations of female economists, it gives us hope that a new strain of economic policy can emerge, practical and inventive, able to rise to today's and tomorrow's challenges -- Andy Haldane, CEO of the RSA
A wonderful book that shows us that women have been contributing to economic thinking all along. Rachel Reeves shows how having more female voices is good for economics and for society. Beautifully written, engaging storytelling and important lessons for policy-making -- Minouche Shafik, President of Columbia University
I am ashamed that I did not know half of the extraordinary women in this book. Rachel reveals so many brilliant thinkers and leaders who have played a fundamental role in the creation of modern economies. I look forward to these hidden stars becoming household names -- Martha Lane Fox, President of the British Chamber of Commerce
A lively book that highlights the importance of learning the lessons from history from the women who have shaped society in so many untold ways -- Linda Yueh, author of THE GREAT CRASHES
Taken as a whole, Reeves's sisterly romp through economic history amounts to a more thoroughgoing exposition of her own politics and their analytical grounding than most of her peers could muster -- Guardian
This is not a manifesto for revolutionary change, then, but it is a solid insight into the progressive politics we might expect if, in a few months' time, Reeves makes history and is granted the keys to No 11 -- The Times

About the Author

Rachel Reeves is the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and has served as the Labour Member of Parliament for Leeds West since 2010. Before becoming an MP she spent a decade working as an economist - first for the Bank of England in London and Washington D.C., and later for HBOS in Halifax. From 2017-2020, she was Chair of the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee. When Keir Starmer was appointed Labour leader in May 2020, Rachel took up the role of Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office before being appointed Shadow Chancellor in May 2021.