Commemorating 50 Years of Publication of Small Is Beautiful by E. F. Schumacher: Adding Women to “Small = Beautiful”

Abstract

Abstract Fifty years ago, Schumacher in his celebrated book, Small Is Beautiful, argued that the Western model of mass production, which relies on high-cost, capital-intensive, and labor-saving technology, was not suitable for developing countries to improve their economic conditions and living standards. Instead, Schumacher proposed an alternative path of development that emphasized low-cost, small-scale, and labor-intensive technology. Considering persistent unemployment in developing countries, Schumacher’s model of alternative development remains relevant for the vast majority of their people. However, he failed to include women in his model and held traditional views on gender roles. His understanding of the economic role of women did not align with the women’s movements, which sought equal access to education and employment. By using a case study of India, this article argues that it is often poor women who are the “agents” of Small Is Beautiful. Through low-cost small businesses, they are uplifting themselves and their families out of poverty and contributing to society’s well-being.