Black Women in the U.S. Economy

Black Women in the U.S. Economy: The Hardest Working Woman explores the impacts of economic, structural, and policy changes since the 1970s on the status and well-being of Black women in the U.S. It examines the rise in income and wealth inequality and subsequent economic downturns for Black women and their families, given the changing relationship between the state, markets, and families over this period of time.

The book assembles an interdisciplinary group of scholars who use Black feminist frameworks along with applied microeconomics and econometrics to understand the multiple identities, roles, and experiences of Black women in the U.S. economy. The text is divided into three sections: (1) Black women in the market economy, (2) family and community, and (3) politics, public policy, and its effects. The chapters are designed to stand alone or complement each other, offering a broad overview of Black women’s work. The book aims to challenge the popular rhetoric about Black women’s work experiences, economic statuses, and roles in providing for and sustaining their families and communities.

This important and illuminating study will be essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Black women’s experiences within the political economy, as well as all those with an interest in economics, women’s studies, Africana studies, sociology, political science, and public policy.