Rethinking Pigou's Misogyny

Abstract

Pigou is a misogynist by today's standards for his belief that women are inferior, and for recommending that they not participate in the labor force. This paper argues that Pigou should be judged according to the ethos of the late Victorian era. It provides a less anachronistic assessment by looking at his formative years, his disparate views on upper- and working-class women, and his recognition of the emerging group of professional women. It is documented that although Pigou was a typical Victorian man, he was willing to accept many exceptions to the above "inferiority" rule.Women