Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explains how to set up the basics of designing gender-aware modelling approaches and construct gender-aware indicators creatively. The gender-aware approach of the book is embedded within a broader epistemological and theoretical framework of wellbeing economics. The recent progress made with wellbeing economics is linked to developments and critical debates in heterodox economics and international development studies, which propose a pluralist perspective in economics. The book also explains the basic principles of a wellbeing economics framework, as well as its underlying ontological and epistemological principles and axioms. It addresses the development of gender-aware indicators and policies. It examines the different resource agents in the micro economy, considering their economic wellbeing from a gender-aware perspective: individuals and households, communities and social groups, and firms, businesses and entrepreneurs.