Economics and Finance Program

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Professor Michael Martell Writes for the Bay Area Reporter

Associate Professor of Economics Michael Martell coauthored a guest opinion piece in the Bay Area Reporter about the need for more LGBTQ+ representation in economics. In his article “More LGBTQ Economists Are Needed,” written with Leanne Roncolato, Martell argues that the field needs to be challenged and tested, a solution that requires more LGBTQ+ economists in positions of authority. The two conducted interviews with 31 queer economists, which formed the basis for their book Queering Economics: Reimagining the Dismal Science, released this May. “Too few economists question the status quo. We agree far too much, because we are far too similar,” they write. “When too many of us share the same philosophy, we are less able to see our commonly held flaws and more likely to conform to prevailing philosophies.” Instead, they argue, “as we diversify who are economists, we can crowd out convention and create space for new ways of thinking and creative solutions to the problems we face.”

Bard’s Economics Program trains students to think critically about the economy and its social, political, and historical context. Small classes, encouragement of student research, and close interaction with the Levy Economics Institute are distinctive features of the experience.

Post Date: 08-05-2026