Clemson professor deconstructs feminist finance during Women’s History Month lecture at Presbyterian College

March 27, 2025

Dr. Kathryn Wiley

Dr. Kathryn Wiley, an interdisciplinary studies professor at Clemson University, delivered a compelling critique of the personal finance industry Wednesday night at Presbyterian College, arguing that the current feminist finance movement too often reinforces the same systems it claims to challenge.

The lecture, titled “The Dollar and the Damsel: The State of Modern Feminist Finance,” was part of PC’s Women’s History Month programming and drew a full audience to Kuhne Auditorium.

The Myth of the “Financially Irresponsible Woman”

Wiley began by unpacking how women have long been portrayed as poor financial decision-makers, both historically and in modern media. She cited viral memes like “girl math,” which humorously rationalize spending but also subtly reinforce gender stereotypes.

“Women aren’t inherently bad with money,” Wiley said. “But we’ve been socialized to think we are, and financial media reinforces that stereotype.”

Wiley pointed out that women consistently score lower than men on global financial literacy assessments, but said this reflects confidence, not capability. Women are more likely to answer “I don’t know” on finance surveys—an expression of uncertainty often rooted in cultural messaging, not a lack of understanding.

Systemic Inequities Shape Financial Realities

Wiley emphasized that financial literacy alone cannot offset the structural disadvantages women face. She outlined key economic realities: women earn less over a lifetime, live longer, take on more unpaid caregiving work, and are often targeted by high-interest credit products to bridge financial gaps.

“Because of caregiving norms and wage disparities, women are especially vulnerable to financial instability, particularly in retirement,” she said.

These patterns, Wiley argued, contribute to persistent wealth gaps and make traditional financial advice—like saving aggressively or investing early—unrealistic for many women.

Dr. Kathryn Wiley and Dr. Emily Taylor

Feminism for Sale?

The lecture turned sharply critical as Wiley examined the rise of women-led finance influencers and brands such as Her First $100K and The Financial Diet. These brands, she noted, often pitch financial empowerment while promoting expensive workshops and exclusive memberships.

“They sell the idea that women can smash the patriarchy by getting rich,” Wiley said. “But it’s the same financial system, just with a different color palette and some motivational hashtags.”

Wiley challenged the idea that individual wealth accumulation is inherently feminist, calling the movement “highly individualistic” and “wellness-wrapped capitalism.” While acknowledging that financial education has value, she questioned whether empowering a few women within an unjust system truly creates broader economic justice.

Paywalls and Promises

Wiley described how many financial influencers market to women who already feel insecure about money. “They offer free content to draw you in, then ask for thousands of dollars for real advice,” she said.

One example she highlighted was a popular budgeting influencer who offered a free class but heavily pitched a premium academy for deeper support. Wiley noted that while this model can be effective, it also preys on economic vulnerability.

“Spending $4,000 to escape financial distress feels counterintuitive—if not predatory,” she said.

She also pointed out that many of these influencers are not licensed financial advisors and often cater to an affluent, predominantly white demographic, leaving behind women of color and those with lower incomes.

Toward a New Vision of Feminist Finance

Wiley concluded by offering alternatives to the current financial empowerment model. Rather than focusing on individual wealth-building, she advocated for systemic change, collective action, and mutual aid.

“Women don’t need to be rescued,” she said. “And they don’t need to be the next stock market hero, either.”

Among her suggestions: make money conversations less taboo, support credit unions over large banks, form community lending circles, redistribute inherited wealth, and recognize the economic knowledge women already apply in caregiving and household budgeting.

“We need affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and healthcare untethered from employment or marriage,” Wiley said. “That’s how we make women financially free—not by canceling a streaming service or skipping lattes.”

A Call for Structural Change

Wiley’s lecture drew on her extensive research in gender, race, and economic mobility. Her scholarly work has appeared in journals such as Ethnic and Racial Studies and the Journal of Family and Economic Issues, and she has been awarded fellowships from the American Association of University Women and the John L. Warfield Center.

At its core, her message was clear: financial feminism should not be about fitting into a broken system—but building a better one.

The lecture was free and open to the public and served as a centerpiece of Presbyterian College’s commitment to inquiry, equity, and civic engagement during Women’s History Month.