Summary:
Discover how entrenched ideas of manhood influence work, wellbeing, and politics at the 2025 Giblin Lecture.
The 2025 Giblin Lecture
What does it mean to be a man, and what has that got to do with the economy?
While economists have long studied how expectations about women’s roles shape their education, job choices and place in the workforce, they’ve largely overlooked the flip side: the powerful economic effects of masculinity. These culturally constructed ideas about what it means to be a ‘real man’ can quietly, yet profoundly, shape everything from labour supply to mental health, political attitudes, and beyond.
Now, new research is revealing that these norms, often inherited from the past, are more than personal beliefs. They are key economic and social drivers, as influential as education or income. Drawing on global data from 70 countries, and a striking case study drawn from Australia’s convict past, this talk explores how notions of masculinity have been formed, transmitted, and entrenched, and how they continue to affect life today.
Secure your spot now to uncover the surprising economic story behind masculinity, past and present. Tickets are free but limited and essential.
Pre-event refreshments:
Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.
The Giblin Lecture:
The Giblin Lecture, established in 1996 and presented annually in June/July in association with The Economic Society of Australia, aims to stimulate economic debate on the topics of the day. The lecture is held in honour of Lyndhurst Falkiner Giblin, a Tasmanian born economist (1872-1951), who played an important role in the evolution of economic policy making in Australia. He served as the Tasmanian government statistician and acting Commonwealth statistician, and advised on tariff and depression policies, as well as seeing active duty in the First World War.
Parking:
Free parking, including accessible spaces, is available at the venue.
Subscribe:
Find out about future events, and subscribe to our mailing list for Island of Ideas updates.
Find out more:
Want to learn more about the University of Tasmania’s Island of Ideas public talks series? Catch-up on past events, register for upcoming talks or get in touch with us via our Island of Ideas webpage