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.

About the experts

Dr Victoria Baranov is an economist at the University of Melbourne whose research looks at how mental health, gender norms and social pressures shape lives—especially in the context of poverty and inequality. Her recent work has focused on the long-term effects of maternal depression, and how disadvantage can be passed from one generation to the next. She has published widely in international journals and is a key researcher in the University’s Gender Lab, which investigates how gender influences outcomes across society. Victoria earned her PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago and brings global experience and insight to her work on the social forces that shape economic development.

Hosted by Mark Bowles

Mark Bowles is the Dean and Head of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania. Previously, he served as Acting CEO of Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania. A respected economist and executive with over 25 years of experience, Mark has led industry and workforce development, public policy, and business advisory services across Tasmania. Well-known in the state's business community, he was Chief Economist for the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry before spending a decade in the Tasmanian Government.

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Pre-event refreshments

Head to the venue early and enjoy complimentary refreshments from 5.30pm.

Partners

This event is hosted in partnership with the Economic Society of Australia, (Tasmania Branch), and the University of Tasmania.

Parking

Free parking is available at the venue.

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The Giblin Lecture

The Giblin Lecture, established in 1996 and presented annually in June/July in association with The Economic Society of Australia (Tasmania Branch), 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.

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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.

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