Using a Feminist Standpoint Perspective and Praxis Lens to Challenge Neoliberalism in Eurozone Austerity Policy

Abstract

The economic downturn in Eurozone countries started in late 2007, and it continues today, over a decade later. Current Eurozone economic austerity policy is a quantitatively driven “one size fits all” policy whose goals are to decrease Eurozone countries’ debt through a set of “belt-tightening” measures that amount to massive cutbacks in the service sector. Such measures have been shown to negatively impact the most vulnerable within these societies—youth, the elderly, and single mothers and their children. This paper argues that applying a feminist standpoint approach and praxis provides a reflexive perspective for assessing the current framework and application of Eurozone austerity policies, as well as their social and economic consequences. The application of a feminist perspective and praxis assesses the degree to which austerity policy promotes social justice and transformative goals. It offers “out of the box” ways for re-thinking economic policies, which provide ways to integrate the voices and lived experiences of those most impacted by economic downturns.