Nancy Folbre is professor emerita of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Her research focuses on the interface between feminist theory and political economy, with a particular focus on the work of caring for others. Her book “Saving State U” (New Press, 2010) makes a case for strengthening public support for higher education in the United States.

Other recent books include “Greed, Lust, and Gender: A History of Economic Ideas” (Oxford University Press, 2009) and “Valuing Children: Rethinking the Economics of the Family” (Harvard University Press, 2008).

Professor Folbre is recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, and she has consulted for the United Nations Human Development Office, the World Bank and other organizations.

For more details see her Web site and her research blog, Care Talk.

Featuring this expert

Intersectional Political Economy

Video | Nov 8, 2023

Unpacking the relationship between exploitation and group identity, Folbre offers a nuanced perspective on societal structures, and the pressing need for cooperative strategies to address global crises. Her insights pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future in this illuminating discussion on intersectionality, political economy, and social justice.

Global Inflation Today: What Is to Be Done?

PERI Conference, featuring INET Research Director Thomas Ferguson and INET Grantees

Event Conference | Dec 2–Nov 3, 2022

Emerging out of the COVID lockdown, inflation in the U.S. and globally has risen to the highest levels in 40 years. On December 2-3, PERI will host a conference to explore the causes of this global inflation spike. Conference participants will also provide critical perspectives on the austerity macroeconomic policies being implemented globally to control inflation and will propose alternative policies capable of managing inflation without imposing austerity and rising mass unemployment.

Prisoner of Love: Intersectional Political Economy

Video | Jun 2, 2021

Why do patriarchal systems survive? What is missing in how economics relates to the concepts of identity and power?

The Future of Work | The Work of Future: How Will Work Be Different?

moderated by Steve Clemons with Erik Brynjolfsson, Nancy Folbre and Kai-Fu Lee

Event Webinar | Oct 27, 2020

In the future, how will work be different, what jobs are most at risk, what jobs are likely to grow?