Economist

/ɪˈkɑːnəmɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who studies or works with how money, goods, and services are produced, used, and exchanged.

Etymology

From 'economic' plus the agent suffix '-ist', meaning 'one who practices or is concerned with'. It carries the original sense of managing resources, now applied to complex systems.

Kelly Says

Economists try to map invisible flows—of money, choices, and incentives—that shape our daily lives. Their models can influence policy that affects millions, yet they still argue fiercely among themselves.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

The image of the 'economist' has long been male by default, reflecting exclusion of women from formal economics training and high-prestige roles. Women and minority economists have often been marginalized or siloed into 'niche' subfields.

Inclusive Usage

Avoid assuming an economist is male; use gender-neutral pronouns unless a specific person’s pronouns are known.

Inclusive Alternatives

["economic researcher","economic analyst"]

Empowerment Note

Name women and nonbinary economists and their contributions where relevant, especially in areas like labor, development, and feminist economics.

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