Making Macroeconomics Work For US: A Feminist Perspective

Ever wonder if the U.S. government could use a better framework to address poverty, inequality and unemployment? Have you considered how certain policies that are overwhelmingly supported by government and corporate interests undermine adequate standards of living and reinforce gender disparities? Economic policy directly affects access to housing, income, healthcare and jobs, and is intrinsically connected to the realization of human rights. Macroeconomic policies (fiscal and monetary) can either serve to enhance or erode people’s enjoyment of basic human rights. The purpose of this brief is to highlight the links between macroeconomics and human rights in order to better inform discussions about solutions.

This brief was published in October 2011 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in NEXUS, a periodic brief covering issues of global relevance to gender equality and the realization of human rights for all.