Jaslin Kalsi receives Chancellor’s Commendation for PhD thesis
Dr Jaslin Kalsi, a newly awarded Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre PhD graduate, has received a Commendation from Curtin University Chancellor Dr Andrew Crane for her thesis on intra-household inequalities.
Titled Essays on the Intra-household Distribution of Wellbeing: Australian Mixed-Sex Couples at Key Life Course Stages, Jaslin’s PhD was recognised as research of an “exceptionally high standard” by Dr Crane, and was passed with no revisions this year – a rare feat.
Jaslin embarked on her higher degree research journey to actively address gender inequality.
“Like many women, I have experienced gender inequality, particularly in relation to societal gender norms and cultural aspects,” Jaslin said.
“I was fortunate to overcome the situation with the support I had around me. But it dawned on me that many women face a lifetime of suppression, conforming to certain ‘roles’ assigned by society both within and beyond the household.
“My goal is to always be a voice for women who cannot have one – so choosing this area of research was a very obvious choice for me given my commitment to gender equity.”
Jaslin’s research recognises the significance of intra-household inequalities, and she hopes that it will lead to more effective policy design.
“My thesis provides an intra-household analysis on the distribution of wellbeing to better understand the experiences of men and women at key stages of the life course – ensuring that economic analysis and policy better represents their interests.
“My research includes detailed examinations on how men’s and women’s subjective wellbeing is affected by changes in their work roles, by parenthood, and by retirement.”
Jaslin’s PhD co-supervisor Associate Professor Astghik Mavisakalyan, BCEC Principal Research Fellow, recognised her immense research efforts.
“Jaslin has been a dedicated and passionate scholar during her PhD. I am truly pleased to see her work receive the Commendation from the Chancellor,” Astghik said.
Jaslin’s other PhD co-supervisor was Siobhan Austen, Professor of Economics in the Curtin Business School.
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre team acknowledges the Wadjuk Nyungar people as the traditional owners of the land on which the Centre is situated.