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How feminist economics could change Europe

Feb 26, 2026

Emma Holten, author and feminist activist focused on digital sexual violence and care economics, explores what it would mean to value care, rest and community in Europe. She discusses why care work is treated as non-value, how feminist economics could reshape policy and working time, and examples of political ideas that aim to translate wealth into wellbeing.

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ANECDOTE

From Digital Consent Activism To Feminist Economics

Emma Holten moved from campaigning on non-consensual image sharing to writing Deficit about feminist economics.
Her 2011 experience of leaked images catalysed long-term activism and led her to explore how societies value care.

INSIGHT

Care Is Treated As An Economic Deficit

Mainstream economics treats care, leisure and family time as expenses rather than value creators.
Emma Holten traced this to models used in finance ministries and GDP thinking that render invisible the unpaid care sustaining the market economy.

INSIGHT

Feminist Economics Helps Men Too

Feminist economics benefits men too by freeing them from exclusive breadwinner roles and reducing loneliness and health harms.
Emma argues valuing connected, care-rich lives could ease men's stress, suicides and social isolation.

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Imagine what would happen if our political, cultural, and economic leaders began to reconsider what it means to create “value” in Europe. What if we were supported to rest, to look after our families, and to enjoy ourselves and our communities as much as we’re encouraged to generate capital? What would it look like for Europe to translate its wealth into greater wellbeing?

These are some of the big questions raised by Emma Holten, two-time Europeans guest and author of the book Deficit: How Feminist Economics Can Change Our World, now being translated into a dizzying number of languages. This week, we’ve devoted the entire show to our conversation with Emma about what “feminist economics” means and how it could change things for the better – not just for women, but for everyone.

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Produced by Wojciech Oleksiak and Morgan Childs
Mixing and mastering by Wojciech Oleksiak
Music by Jim Barne and Mariska Martina