“In My Cowboy Era” is a great subsection to stumble upon in the “Our Economic Power Era” introduction. My hope is that readers would naturally open the book to this page. In addition to giving a flavor of the entirety of the book, it encourages readers to think about their own best gritty, hard-working era that led them to greater knowledge or understanding of the world around them. The eras that helped them grow, development, and support the most vulnerable corners of their personality.

One part stands out: 

“As Taylor ages, the lyrics become fuller, more complex… [her lyrics] are a diary of womanhood detailing, first, an explosion into independence and the awareness that comes from realizing the one holding you back from a more desired path might just be yourself. Then the lyrics move on to all the pain that cuts deep when we become aware of others who are intimidated by our success and willing to undermine our worth and value. Structural constraints become clearer. (p. 3)”

Of course, any pages are a great first start for perusing. Look to the front of the book for detailed engaging narratives related to The Eras Tour experience or to the middle of the book for descriptive highlights challenging what we think we know about the gendered world around us and how women, including Taylor Swift, navigate this world. If you are in search of policy solutions, check out the back of the book, specifically the conclusion, where I lay out clear and concise policy opportunities – if only we have the will to live in a world that more fully represents the lived experiences of women.

Finally, the “book ends” of Swiftynomics start with and end with my own personal family history. When writing a book about the invisible stories of the women around us, I felt it was essential to document my own family story. I hope it encourages the reader to consider their own family history and to document the lived experiences of the women around them.

I hope to encourage more young women to seriously consider the field of economics as a profession and to see themselves represented. If this book is successful, it will be read and absorbed by policymakers and leaders with influence, who will incorporate the justifications and rationale of resource inequality to redistribute resources to the most vulnerable around us – those engaged in invisible labor and care. Finally, I would love it for readers to walk away feeling seen and hopeful for the future we can all create together where the care economy takes front and center stage, allowing economic growth to flourish. My wish is that when my children reach adulthood and parenthood, the world and society we have left them allows them to live a less harried, exhausted caregiving life than my own.