A Drink with the Idler | Victoria Bateman on Women, Wealth and Power
£7.50
Join “A Drink with the Idler” as we chat to economic historian Victoria Bateman about the history of women in wealth and power
Dr Victoria Bateman’s new book, Economica: A Global History of Women, Wealth and Power is the first economic history of the world, written for a general audience, told from the point of view of women.
Victoria dispels the gendered myths around women and economic growth. She shows that women aren’t missing from history, they’re just hidden. Economica is filled with female merchants, farmers, hunters, bankers and industrialists, demonstrating that the economy has never been “just for men”. From the women who helped build the Great Pyramids of Giza, to those who developed the Silk Road, to the twentieth-century pioneers who fought for a fairer economy, Victoria throws light on all of the many ways women have had a hand in the global economic story.
Once called the “naked Brexit protestor,” Dr Bateman is known for using her body in art and in protest, wanting to dispel the cult of female modesty. In 2024 she delivered a live naked performance at the Idler Festival, and once gave a talk wearing nothing more than a handful of banknotes.
The discussion between Victoria and Idler editor Tom Hodgkinson will be followed by a live Q&A when you will be given the chance to ask Victoria your own questions.
We’ll have a philosophical “Thought for the Week” from Dr Mark Vernon and the event will be hosted by Idler Academy director Victoria Hull.
This is an online event. It should be like meeting up in the pub for an interesting conversation. We leave the meeting open at the end so you can carry on chatting.
Dr Victoria Bateman is an economic historian, writer and historical consultant. Born in Tameside, Greater Manchester, to a long line of cotton mill workers, Victoria’s youth shaped her interest in both economics and history. After a state school education in Oldham, Victoria earned a degree in Economics from the University of Cambridge, followed by a Masters degree in Economic and Social History and a DPhil in Economics from the University of Oxford. She has twenty years’ experience of teaching economic history at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, including as a Fellow and Director of Studies in Economics at Gonville and Caius College. In the 2025-2026 academic year, Victoria will be welcomed to Gresham College, London as a Visiting Lecturer in Economic History. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).
Tom Hodgkinson is editor of the Idler and author of the best-selling manuals, How to Be Idle and How to Be Free. Other publications include a book on parenting, the Ukulele Handbook and a manual for creative entrepreneurs, Business for Bohemians.
Dr Mark Vernon is a psychotherapist, writer, broadcaster, and teacher. He presents several Idler Academy online courses. He has a PhD in philosophy, and degrees in theology and physics. His most recent books include The Idler Guide to Ancient Philosophy (Idler Books), Love: All that Matters (Hodder) and Jung: How to Believe (Guardian Shorts) – and he has books on friendship, belief and the good life too. Mark can often be heard on Radio 4’s Moral Maze. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England. For more, visit markvernon.com.
Victoria Hull is director of the Idler Academy, producing the Idler’s live and online events and courses.
Testimonials for A Drink with the Idler
Drinks with the Idler have kept me sane.
A fabulous Idler Drinks – thanks Tom, Victoria, Mark and idlers everywhere!
A simple heartfelt “thank you”: I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying Thursday evenings as part of the Idler community. Never has a subscription yielded such brain-nourishing pleasure.
Short yet so sweet, delightful and interesting… uplifting intelligent conversation. I feel so happy to have stumbled upon the Idler. I bow to you all☺️⭐️
A Drink with the Idler has turned out to be one of our lifelines! Such fun, wonderful commentary by you and the remarkable Mark, not to mention the delightful Victoria.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 27th November 2025
Time: 6pm-7pm
Location: Online via Zoom link
Cost: £7.50. Free for Idler members. SUBSCRIBE HERE (from £2.50/month)
How to join A Drink with the Idler: Non subscribers should register by clicking the BUY NOW button above. Subscribers can register by clicking the GET TICKETS button above.
Important
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Idler Magazine and Idler Academy members will be sent a special registration link ahead of the event.
Latecomers may not be given access
