IAFFE Conference: A Deep Dive into Feminist Economics | Vibepedia

1. 📍 What is the IAFFE Conference?
2. 🎯 Who Should Attend?
3. 🗓️ When and Where?
4. 💰 Registration & Fees
5. ⭐ What to Expect: Program Highlights
6. 🤝 Networking Opportunities
7. 📚 IAFFE vs. Other Economics Conferences
8. 💡 Practical Tips for Attendees
9. 🔗 Getting Started with IAFFE
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Related Topics

The International Association for Feminist Economics conference is the premier global gathering for scholars, activists, and policymakers dedicated to advancing feminist economic theory and practice. It's not just another academic conference; it's a vibrant hub where critical perspectives on economic systems are debated, challenged, and reshaped. For decades, IAFFE has provided a crucial platform for research that centers gender, inequality, and social justice, moving beyond traditional, often androcentric, economic models. The conference showcases cutting-edge research on topics ranging from the care economy and unpaid labor to the gendered impacts of globalization and financialization. Expect rigorous academic discourse intertwined with a commitment to real-world change, making it a vital event for anyone serious about understanding and transforming economic realities.

This conference is essential for academic economists seeking to broaden their theoretical frameworks and engage with intersectional analyses of economic phenomena. It's also a critical space for sociologists, political scientists, and gender studies scholars whose work intersects with economic issues. Beyond academia, the IAFFE conference attracts NGOs and non-profit leaders working on issues of economic justice, policy analysts aiming to integrate gender perspectives into economic policy, and activists pushing for systemic change. If your work questions mainstream economic assumptions or seeks to build more equitable economies, this is your intellectual home.

The IAFFE conference is held annually, typically in the summer months, with dates and locations varying each year to foster international participation. For instance, the 2023 IAFFE Conference was hosted in Mexico City, and the 2024 IAFFE Conference is slated for Montreal. Specific venue details, including university campuses or conference centers, are announced well in advance on the official IAFFE website. Attendees should plan for a multi-day event, usually spanning three to four days, offering a packed schedule of sessions and events. Always check the official IAFFE Conference Schedule for the most up-to-date information on dates and venues.

Registration fees for the IAFFE conference are tiered, generally offering lower rates for student members, emeritus members, and those from lower-income countries. Standard registration rates apply for regular members and non-members. Early bird discounts are almost always available for those who register by a specific deadline, often several months before the conference. While specific figures fluctuate annually, expect fees to range from approximately $200 USD for student members to $600 USD for non-member professionals. The registration fee typically includes access to all conference sessions, networking events, and conference materials. Information on IAFFE Membership benefits, which often include discounted conference rates, is also readily available.

The program is a dense, intellectually stimulating mix of plenary sessions featuring prominent feminist economists, and numerous concurrent paper sessions covering a vast array of topics. Expect deep dives into the economics of care, gender budgeting, the impact of digitalization on labor markets, and critiques of neoliberal economic policies. You'll find panels discussing intersectionality in economic analysis, the feminization of poverty, and innovative approaches to sustainable development. The conference also often includes workshops, book launches, and special sessions dedicated to pedagogical approaches in feminist economics.

Networking is a core component of the IAFFE experience. Beyond formal sessions, the conference facilitates numerous opportunities for connection. This includes dedicated networking receptions, coffee breaks, and shared meals, all designed to encourage informal discussions. Many attendees find that the most valuable insights and collaborations emerge from these spontaneous conversations. The conference also often features a mentoring program connecting junior scholars with established figures in the field. Don't hesitate to approach speakers whose work resonates with you; the IAFFE community is known for its collegiality and openness to new ideas and connections.

Compared to mainstream economics conferences, the IAFFE conference offers a distinct focus on social justice and gender analysis. While general economics conferences might touch on inequality, IAFFE places it at the center, interrogating the underlying structures that perpetuate it. The methodological approaches are also often broader, incorporating qualitative research, institutional economics, and post-Keynesian economics alongside quantitative methods. If you're looking for a space that prioritizes critical engagement with power, inequality, and alternative economic visions, IAFFE is the clear choice over more econometrically focused gatherings like the American Economic Association (AEA) Annual Meeting.

To maximize your experience at the IAFFE conference, plan your schedule in advance by reviewing the program booklet or app. Identify sessions that align with your interests but also be open to exploring new areas. Prepare a brief introduction about your work or interests for networking opportunities. Don't underestimate the value of attending the opening and closing plenaries, as they often set the thematic tone. If you're presenting, ensure your slides are clear and concise, and be ready for engaging Q&A. Finally, take advantage of the diverse perspectives; engage respectfully in discussions, even when challenging established ideas, and remember that the goal is collective learning and advancing economic justice.

To get involved with IAFFE and attend the conference, the first step is to visit the official IAFFE website. There you can find information on becoming a member, which offers significant benefits including reduced conference registration fees and access to the Feminist Economics journal. The website also hosts details about the upcoming conference, including the call for papers, registration deadlines, and program announcements. Keep an eye on their social media channels, particularly IAFFE's Twitter feed, for timely updates and calls for participation. Submitting a paper or proposal is a common way to engage, but simply attending to learn and network is equally valuable.

Year

Annual

Origin

Founded in 1992, IAFFE has been hosting its annual conference since the early 1990s, with specific dates and locations varying each year.

Category

Academic Conferences

Type

Conference