Ailsa McKay, Scottish economist and academic (b. 1963)

Ailsa McKay, born on June 7, 1963, and sadly passed away on March 5, 2014, was a profoundly influential Scottish economist whose work transcended academic circles to shape government policy and foster a more equitable society. A distinguished Professor of Economics at Glasgow Caledonian University, McKay was not just an academic; she was a leading figure in the global movement for feminist economics, a staunch advocate for social justice, and a key intellectual voice in Scotland's political landscape.

Her life's work was dedicated to understanding and dismantling gender inequalities and meticulously examining the economics of the welfare state. McKay's contributions went far beyond theoretical discourse; she was a leading proponent of the transformative basic income concept and stood out as one of the United Kingdom's foremost experts on gender budgeting, a critical approach to analyzing government budgets for their impact on different genders.

A Career Dedicated to Economic and Social Justice

Ailsa McKay's career was marked by a relentless pursuit of economic fairness and a deep commitment to public service. As Vice Dean of the Glasgow School for Business and Society, she played a pivotal role in shaping future generations of economists and business leaders. Her expertise wasn't confined to the university campus, however. McKay was a crucial adviser to the Scottish government, working closely with then-First Minister Alex Salmond on intricate economic and welfare state policies that aimed to improve the lives of all Scots.

Her intellectual prowess and clear vision made her an indispensable voice during a critical period for Scotland. Her support for Scottish independence was well-known, and her economic arguments underpinned much of the independence campaign's vision for a fairer society. Indeed, Alex Salmond himself highlighted McKay as a leading intellectual figure in the campaign in his 2015 book, The Dream Shall Never Die. Both Salmond and his successor, Nicola Sturgeon, have consistently acknowledged McKay's profound and lasting influence on Scottish gender equality policies, demonstrating the real-world impact of her academic work.

Beyond Scottish Borders: International Influence and Lasting Legacy

McKay’s influence extended internationally. She served as an adviser to the United Nations, bringing her expertise on gender budgeting and welfare economics to a global stage. This role underscored her commitment to addressing inequalities on a worldwide scale and applying her insights to diverse contexts.

Her intellectual contributions were also captured in her publications. Just days before her untimely death, she co-edited the significant book, Counting on Marilyn Waring: New Advances in Feminist Economics, alongside Margunn Bjørnholt. This publication served as a testament to her enduring commitment to advancing feminist economic thought and highlighted her role in bringing together leading voices in the field.

Ailsa McKay's legacy is honored in several meaningful ways, reflecting the profound impact she had on academia, policy, and society. The prestigious Ailsa McKay Fellowship supports future scholars in feminist economics, ensuring her work continues to inspire new research. The Ailsa McKay Lecture stands as one of the foremost honors in feminist economics, attracting leading thinkers to continue discussions on the topics she championed. Furthermore, the McKay House at Lenzie Academy is named in her honor, a fitting tribute in her native Scotland, reminding young people of her remarkable achievements and dedication to creating a better world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ailsa McKay

Who was Ailsa McKay?
Ailsa McKay (1963-2014) was a highly respected Scottish economist, a Professor of Economics at Glasgow Caledonian University, a leading feminist economist, and a key government policy adviser.
What were her main areas of expertise and research?
McKay was particularly noted for her groundbreaking research on gender inequalities, the economics of the welfare state, and her profound contributions to feminist economics. She was also a leading proponent of the basic income concept and a UK expert on gender budgeting.
What is "gender budgeting"?
Gender budgeting is a policy tool that involves analyzing government budgets to assess their differential impact on men and women. The goal is to ensure that public spending and revenue collection promote gender equality and address existing inequalities.
What was Ailsa McKay's role in Scottish politics?
She was a significant adviser to the Scottish government and First Minister Alex Salmond on economic and welfare state policies. She was also a strong supporter of Scottish independence and her influence on Scottish gender equality policies has been highlighted by both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.
What is the "basic income concept" that she championed?
Basic income (or universal basic income) is a social welfare proposal in which all citizens of a country or region regularly receive an unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of their income, employment status, or other circumstances. McKay advocated for its potential to reduce poverty and inequality.
How is Ailsa McKay's legacy remembered?
Her legacy is honored through the Ailsa McKay Fellowship, which supports research in feminist economics, the Ailsa McKay Lecture, one of the top honors in the field, and the McKay House at Lenzie Academy in Scotland.