Black women in the United States have often been the subject of negative stereotypes, which have distorted perceptions of their unique work history and the challenges that they have faced in providing for their families. Black Women in the U.S. Economy: The Hardest Working Woman challenges the popular rhetoric about black women by presenting an empirical analysis of their labor market experiences and the critical role that black women play in providing for and sustaining their families and communities.

The authors use a Black Feminist framework along with applied microeconomics and econometrics in order to understand the multiple identities, roles, and experiences of black women in the U.S. economy. The book’s multi-dimensional analysis covers issues including black women’s contribution to the social economy, how economic restructuring in the U.S. has impacted on black women, and how declining wages since the 1970s have led to economic inequality and the impact that this has had on the wellbeing of black women and children. All chapters situate their analysis of the economic status of black women within the context of market forces, social relations among counter-groups, and political economy.

This groundbreaking study will be essential reading for all those with an interest in Economics, Women’s Studies, Africana Studies and Sociology.