Naila Kabeer, Bangladeshi-English economist and academic

Professor Naila Kabeer, born on January 28, 1950, is an esteemed Indian-born British Bangladeshi social economist, distinguished research fellow, prolific writer, and a highly respected Professor at the London School of Economics (LSE). Her extensive work is globally recognized for its profound insights into critical development challenges.

A Leading Voice in Social and Feminist Economics

As a prominent social economist, Professor Kabeer's work at the London School of Economics significantly contributes to understanding the intricate interplay between economic systems and societal well-being. Social economics, a field she masterfully navigates, moves beyond traditional economic models to investigate how economic activities impact human welfare, focusing on crucial aspects such as equity, social justice, and the distribution of resources. The LSE, renowned as a world-leading institution in the social sciences, provides an influential platform for her groundbreaking research.

Professor Kabeer's commitment to advocating for gender equality within economic discourse is powerfully demonstrated by her role as President of the International Association for Feminist Economics (IAFFE) from 2018 to 2019. IAFFE stands as a pivotal global organization dedicated to promoting research, education, and policy analysis through a feminist lens. It actively challenges conventional economic theories by highlighting systemic gendered inequalities, valuing often-unpaid care work, and advocating for the creation of more inclusive and equitable economic policies worldwide.

Shaping Global Academic Discourse

Her intellectual leadership extends significantly into the academic realm through her involvement on the editorial committees of several highly respected scholarly journals. Professor Kabeer helps shape the direction of research and discourse for publications such as the Feminist Economist, Development and Change, Gender and Development, Third World Quarterly, and the Canadian Journal of Development Studies. This active participation underscores her considerable influence in guiding critical discussions across development studies, gender studies, and economics.

Core Research Interests and Regional Focus

Professor Kabeer's primary research endeavors are deeply rooted in the interconnected issues of poverty, gender, and social policy. She meticulously examines how gender relations fundamentally shape economic outcomes, particularly focusing on effective pathways for poverty reduction and the strategic design of robust social protection mechanisms that can build resilience among vulnerable populations.

Her profound research interests encompass:

• Gender: Analyzing the structural inequalities and power dynamics that impact economic opportunities and outcomes for women and men.
• Poverty: Exploring the multifaceted dimensions of poverty, beyond income, to include lack of access to resources, capabilities, and opportunities.
• Social Exclusion: Investigating how certain groups are marginalized from social, economic, and political life, often due to gender, caste, class, or ethnicity.
• Labour Markets and Livelihoods: Studying how individuals secure their livelihoods, particularly focusing on informal economies, women's participation in the workforce, and decent work challenges.
• Social Protection: Examining policies and programs designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability, such as cash transfers, public works programs, and social insurance.

These critical explorations predominantly focus on the distinctive socio-economic contexts of South and South East Asia. These regions are particularly significant due to their high incidence of poverty, prevalent gender inequalities, and complex development challenges, making Professor Kabeer's contributions highly relevant for informing policy interventions and advancing development practice on a global scale.

Frequently Asked Questions about Naila Kabeer

Who is Naila Kabeer?

Naila Kabeer is an internationally renowned Indian-born British Bangladeshi social economist, research fellow, writer, and a Professor at the London School of Economics (LSE). She is celebrated for her extensive work on poverty, gender, and social policy issues.

What are Professor Kabeer's main areas of research?

Her primary research focuses on poverty, gender, and social policy, with specific interests spanning gender dynamics, various dimensions of poverty, social exclusion, labor markets and livelihoods, and social protection programs. Her work often centers on South and South East Asia.

What is the International Association for Feminist Economics (IAFFE)?

IAFFE is a global academic association that promotes research, education, and policy analysis from feminist perspectives on economic issues. Professor Naila Kabeer served as its President from 2018 to 2019, highlighting her leadership in advocating for gender-aware economic policies and challenging traditional economic assumptions.