why there is a need for womens issues course

by Durward Sauer 8 min read

The first reason you should take a women’s studies course is that it will ignite the feminist in you. And some of you may be thinking, “but I don’t want to be a feminist.” But guess what: Everybody should be a feminist, because feminism is not a dirty word.

Graduates of the Women's and Gender Studies program understand the differences that gender makes in peoples' economic, social, and political lives. They can identify and articulate changes that could improve peoples' lives, based on gender differences.

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Why major in women’s studies?

 · The first reason you should take a women’s studies course is that it will ignite the feminist in you. And some of you may be thinking, “but I don’t want to be a feminist.” But guess what: Everybody should be a feminist, because feminism is not a dirty word.

What are women’s issues?

 · A Women’s Studies class is a great starting-block for anyone to learn respectability politics, regardless of their views or experience in social justice. Whether you want to go into activism or not, you have to learn to respect those you don’t understand.

Who should take women and gender studies classes?

 · Women’s Studies classes require you to be more honest with yourself and with others, and open your eyes to the many reasons why feminism is still needed. With women still only earning around 80% of the earnings as their male counterparts, and with one in four people affected by workplace sexual harassment, women across the global continue to be treated …

What does it mean to categorize challenges as “women’s?

 · Employing the term “women’s issues” to address these obstacles or the uneven playing field can give visibility to the particular difficulties that women face, as opposed to other groups. So while women’s rights are human rights , using specificity to define them brings visibility to a population whose voice has been silenced .

Why do we need to study women's studies?

As an area of academic study, Women's Studies provides new frameworks that are sensitive not only to issues of gender, but also race, class, and ethnicity. By analyzing the powerful and problematic impact of sexual inequalities, Women's Studies revises the way we see ourselves and our world.

What do you learn in women's studies class?

When you major in Women's Studies, you study politics, theory, literature, history, sociology, and psychology, all with a feminist perspective.

Why should I study feminism?

Feminism represents a body of knowledge that allows us to break the cycle of repetition and live our lives based upon KNOWLEDGE rather than IGNORANCE. Many people have told me that seeing The Dinner Party changed their lives. Their viewing experience demonstrates what knowledge can do.

What is the scope of women's studies?

Women studies takes an important space in the field of gender studies. In the past few centuries we have seen a rise in the freedom of women and feminism. This has helped to reshape the identity of a woman in the society. Earlier, in a close-knitted society of patriarchy, women rarely had rights and any opportunities.

Why is women's history important?

For girls, knowing women's achievements expands their sense of what is possible. For all of us, knowledge of women's strengths and contributions builds respect and nourishes self esteem — crucial to all children and adults now, and in the years to come. Educators are willing, often eager, to introduce women's history.

Why is it important to study gender and society?

This established gender research and analysis enables us to examine and challenge social norms around what it means to be a woman or man in society, and to pursue justice and equality for all, which should be fundamental facets of development.

What are the benefits of feminism?

Gender equitable societies are healthier for everyone. As feminism challenges restrictive gender norms, improvements in women's access to health care, reproductive rights, and protection from violence have positive effects on everyone's life expectancy and well-being, especially children.

What is the study of females called?

Women's studies is an academic field that draws on feminist and interdisciplinary methods to place women's lives and experiences at the center of study, while examining social and cultural constructs of gender; systems of privilege and oppression; and the relationships between power and gender as they intersect with ...

What can you do with a woman and gender studies major?

What Can You Do With a College Degree in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies?Clinical Social Worker. ... Health Clinic Coordinator. ... College Professor. ... Human Rights Advocate. ... Victims' Advocate. ... Journalist. ... Archivist. ... Lawyer.More items...

Why is feminist pedagogy important?

The critical skills fostered with the employment of a feminist pedagogical framework encourages recognition and active resistance to societal oppressions and exploitations. Also, feminist pedagogies position its epistemological inquiries within the context of social activism and societal transformation.

What is women's studies in high school?

Women's Studies examine the experiences and contributions of diverse groups of women in American society. This course will provide knowledge about the social role of women and their involvement in areas such as health, history, and political activism.

Should I major in women's studies?

Prepare for a rewarding career Finally, another reason why you should major in women's and gender studies is that it can lead to a rewarding career. Women's and gender studies graduates go on to careers in management, law, education, healthcare, social services, public administration, publishing and media.

What job can you get with a major in women's studies?

Career PathsClinical Social Worker. Counselors and other clinical social workers benefit from integrating a women's studies major or minor into their professional development. ... Health Clinic Coordinator. ... College Professor. ... Human Rights Advocate. ... Victims' Advocate. ... Journalist. ... Archivist. ... Lawyer.More items...

Why You Should Take A Gender And Women's Studies Course

Before I get into everything, let me just say, this is not an article written by a radical feminist who will be complaining or shit-talking men. This is just an article about why I think it would be beneficial for everyone to be aware of gender equality and to become educated on the true definition of "feminism."

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Why do we use the term "women's issues"?

Employing the term “women’s issues” to address these obstacles or the uneven playing field can give visibility to the particular difficulties that women face, as opposed to other groups. So while women’s rights are human rights, using specificity to define them brings visibility to a population whose voice has been silenced. ...

Can women fix gender inequality?

Women cannot fix gender inequality alone, and neither are women submissive victims in need of saving or empowerment. One popular solution to women’s inequality has been educational training, which operates on the assumption that providing women with knowledge and expertise will give them value in society, will combat gender inequality, or give women financial autonomy. It falls short, however, since it does not take into account the fact that most women are already active contributors to society.

Is identity one dimensional?

Identity is not one-dimensional, and change-makers must also consult with a diverse range of groups to fully understand the symptoms of conflict or prejudice and their solutions. Women’s marginalization, and the patriarchal system where ingrained gender roles further perpetuate inequality, do not exist in a bubble.

What is the funny thing about women's studies?

The funny thing about Women’s Studies is that it’s not just about women. It makes you think about layers of identity and explore how oppressions like racism, sexism, and ableism are comparable and intertwined. One of the first words you learn as a Women’s Studies major is intersectionality, which at first sounds like one of those higher-ed, elitist terms that makes you shudder and say, “No wonder Rick Santorum thinks college is for snobs!” But really, it’s a theory that examines how different forms of identity like race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability intersect and interact on multiple levels.

What is a WS degree?

A WS degree opens doors that you may not have known were there or otherwise even comprehended. Women’s Studies explores why women are underrepresented in politics and higher-level jobs, and then it shows you how to change that — how to strive toward a more just, equal, and vibrant society.

What are the mental health issues women face?

Some mental health concerns commonly experienced by women include: Depression. Anxiety. Postpartum depression.

What are the roles of women in mental health?

Traditionally, women were typically assigned the roles of caretakers and nurturers, while in reality they are capable of being caretakers , providers, nurturers, professionals, or holding any number of roles. Evolving roles and less emphasis on identity based on gender have helped challenge these assigned roles, but women may often face a number of sociocultural challenges that contribute to a greater risk of mental and physical health concerns.

What are the most common mental health issues?

Women may also be more likely than men to experience certain mental health concerns: 1 Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa are clinically reported at rates of 10 to 1. 2 Postpartum depression and psychosis are largely experienced by women, although men are increasingly reporting the experience of baby blues, or paternal postnatal depression. 3 In general, women are more likely than men to experience serious mental health concerns that impact daily function. This remains true across all age groups.

What are the factors that contribute to mental health?

Biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors may at least partially contribute to the development of certain mental and physical health concerns. These may be somewhat impacted by gender in some cases, but a woman may easily develop concerns that have nothing to do with gender. Sociocultural issues such as gender socialization, ...

What are the challenges of pregnancy?

Challenges also arise when women encounter problems with infertility, postpartum depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and a range of concerns related to sex and sexuality .”.

How many women are affected by perinatal depression?

The most common complication of childbirth, perinatal mood issues such as postpartum depression affect as many as 20% of new mothers in the United States—approximately 1 million women—each year.

How does mental health affect a mother?

A mother's mental health can impact attachment, development, and the mental health of the child. If the child develops behavioral and emotional problems, this can place added stress on the mother, thus establishing a cycle of challenges for the entire family.

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