The Dynamics of Gender in the Economic Development of Central Asia

A Kyrgyz proverb claims a frog-headed [stupid] man is better than a golden-headed [intelligent] woman. This proverb typifies the conceptual division of genders in Central Asia prior to the Soviet era. After independence, however, women began taking an active role in the region’s developing economies. The growth of women entrepreneurs provided the impetus for a transformation in the dynamics of gender that has produced surprising results in many parts of this global region. In this course we will journey through the history, culture, politics, and economies of the region to gain an understanding of the forces impacting the dynamics of gender and economic development of Central Asia. This course may count towards the economics major requirements as a 0200-level elective or as elective credit towards the WAGS major.