Beyond Efficiency: Feminist Economics and the Reframing of Global Trade

Abstract

This paper examines how feminist economics reshapes the analysis of international trade by foregrounding gender as a structural determinant of trade outcomes. Using a PRISMA-guided systematic literature review combined with reflexive thematic analysis, the study synthesizes empirical and theoretical research on the gendered effects of trade liberalization. The review demonstrates that conventional trade models, which assume homogeneous agents and frictionless adjustment, systematically overlook unpaid care work, labor market segmentation, and power asymmetries that shape women’s participation in trade. The literature is organized into five thematic areas, revealing persistent gender-differentiated patterns across contexts. Integrating these findings, the paper develops a conceptual framework that treats gender relations as endogenous to trade processes rather than as peripheral outcomes. It further identifies key research gaps, including the need for intersectional empirical analysis, gender-aware trade modeling, and systematic evaluation of gender-responsive trade policies. The analysis underscores that trade policy can influence gender equality, but outcomes depend on institutional context and complementary interventions. Overall, the paper argues that incorporating feminist economics into trade theory enhances both analytical precision and policy relevance, reframing trade as a tool for inclusive and equitable development rather than solely for aggregate efficiency.