Despite a large literature on gender in both theology and economics, economists and theologians have had little to say to each other on the subject. The intersection of economics, theology, and gender proves a fruitful one for biblical hermeneutics, however, showing the economics of gender to be intrinsically part of the biblical story of creation ideal, fall, and redemption. In the paradise of creation, absent scarcity, there is no gender difference. Woman is created equal to the man, who rejoices in her creation as someone like him. Gender appear only after the rupture of humankind’s relationship with God, when they must leave paradise. The resulting scarcity opens the door to economic choice, the sexual division of labor, and gender difference. In redemption, Jesus taught explicitly against gender norms. Christianity provides personal and institutional resources that enable its adherents to behave in ways that are at odds with prevailing economic and social structures.
The Economics of Gender Discrimination in Employee Fringe Benefits: Manhart Revisited
