In a thought-provoking lecture held at Presbyterian College, Dr. Kathryn Wiley, an interdisciplinary studies professor from Clemson University, challenged the audience to rethink the current feminist finance movement. Her presentation, titled "The Dollar and the Damsel: The State of Modern Feminist Finance," examined how this movement often perpetuates the very systems it claims to oppose. Delivered as part of Women's History Month programming, the lecture attracted a full house in Kuhne Auditorium. Wiley dissected the portrayal of women as financially irresponsible, systemic inequities affecting women's economic realities, and the rise of commercialized feminist finance brands. She advocated for collective action and structural change rather than individual wealth accumulation.
Dr. Wiley initiated her discussion by addressing historical and contemporary stereotypes about women's financial decision-making abilities. Historically, women have been labeled as poor money managers, a stereotype reinforced by modern media through viral memes such as "girl math." According to Wiley, these portrayals suggest that women are naturally bad with finances, a misconception rooted in societal conditioning. While women may score lower on global financial literacy tests compared to men, Wiley argued that this disparity stems more from a lack of confidence than actual incompetence. Women tend to express uncertainty by answering "I don't know" during surveys, reflecting cultural messaging rather than ignorance.
Furthermore, Wiley highlighted the economic challenges women face due to systemic inequalities. Factors such as lower lifetime earnings, longer lifespans, increased responsibility in unpaid caregiving, and targeting by high-interest credit products contribute to financial instability, particularly in retirement years. These conditions create persistent wealth gaps, making conventional financial advice like aggressive saving or early investing impractical for many women. Wiley stressed that financial literacy alone cannot resolve these deep-rooted issues.
Turning her critique toward the growing phenomenon of women-led finance influencers, Wiley scrutinized brands like Her First $100K and The Financial Diet. These platforms claim to empower women financially but often promote costly workshops and exclusive memberships. Wiley described them as rebranding the same financial system with new aesthetics and motivational hashtags. She questioned whether accumulating individual wealth genuinely aligns with feminist ideals, labeling the movement as overly individualistic and capitalist. Many influencers target economically insecure women, offering free content initially before pitching expensive premium services. This approach exploits vulnerability, especially since several influencers lack formal financial advising credentials and primarily cater to affluent, predominantly white audiences, marginalizing women of color and those with fewer resources.
In conclusion, Dr. Wiley proposed alternative approaches to feminist finance, emphasizing systemic change over individual wealth-building. She encouraged fostering community-based solutions, including promoting credit unions, forming lending circles, redistributing inherited wealth, and recognizing the economic expertise women already possess in caregiving and household budgeting. Wiley also called for broader societal reforms such as affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and healthcare independent of employment or marital status. By advocating for these changes, she envisions a future where financial freedom for women is achieved not through personal sacrifices like canceling subscriptions or skipping luxury items but through equitable structural adjustments.
Dr. Wiley's lecture resonated deeply with attendees, offering a compelling argument for redefining feminist finance. Drawing upon her extensive research in gender, race, and economic mobility, she urged listeners to move beyond merely adapting to a flawed system and instead focus on constructing a fairer one. The event underscored Presbyterian College's dedication to fostering intellectual exploration, equality, and active participation in society during Women's History Month.