Anna Mueller

B.A. in Economics and Women’s Studies (2002) Wellesley College
Currently a graduate student of Sociology at the University of Texas, Austin

Activities & Interests

As an undergrad at Wellesley College, I quickly found my way to feminist economics through a class taught by my econ advisor Corrine Taylor. The class was called “Education, Welfare and Taxes” and I was writing a paper on equity issues in Texas’s tax structure and education funding policy. Diana Strassmann, who has always been a guiding light for me (both academically and personally), helped me locate feminist articles on the subject, in particular, an early version of a chapter of Nancy Folbre’s recent book The Invisible Heart: Economics and Family Values (the chapter entitled “Robinhood Schools”). I had so much fun reading Nancy’s words and poring over pages of Texas’s tax policy (strange I know) and becoming outraged by some of my state’s tax structure (no income tax, but a very high sales tax for example), that the next thing I knew I was making my way through Wellesley as an economics major. I also began taking classes in the Women’s Studies and Africana Studies departments, where I developed my second major in Women’s Studies with a concentration in issues of intersectionality (of race, class, gender, and sexuality). Judith Rollins and Rosanna Hertz, both professors of mine, were particularly inspirational. I learned through Women’s Studies and Africana Studies to critically analyze every assumption handed to me – something I know at times caused my more mainstream econ professors headaches.

My research and academic interests have always centered around social justice issues in public policy. I am particularly interested in public education issues and living wage legislation, and will be specializing in the Sociology of Education during my graduate studies at the University of Texas.

My involvement with IAFFE became formal about four years ago when Diana bought me a membership in IAFFE for my birthday. I have been a member ever since. I also started working as a student intern at the IAFFE journal, Feminist Economics, after my sophomore year of college. I’ve stuck around every summer since, and after graduating in 2002, I came back to work for the journal full time as an editorial assistant and now as an assistant editor. This past year I have managed accepted papers through the publication process, among many other projects (including this website). I have really enjoyed my time at FE, particularly working with Cheryl Morehead (our wonderful other assistant editor) and Amy Storrow (our fabulous style editor). I plan to continue to stay involved with IAFFE throughout my academic career (despite the switch from economics to sociology). Attending the 2002 IAFFE Conference in LA was a wonderful experience, and I look forward to the next conference I’ll be able to attend (hopefully Oxford).

Outside of academia, I am an avid horseback rider and am owned by a lovely little fiery Spanish Barb mare named “Fiél.” I was trained in classical Dressage, although now I mostly just putz about. I am also very involved with my Quaker meeting, and while at Wellesley, I was president of Wellesley’s LBT peer support network.