I'm looking for a PhD program in Gender Studies, but there is only one in the country. However, there are 12 PhD programs in Women's Studies. Is it just semantics, or would a the Women's Studies program be more archaic and limited in scope than a Gender Studies Program? Thanks for any insight.
2006-10-23 12:07:12 · 4 answers · asked by ToLiveIsToExplore 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
In my experience, there is a lot of blending going on between Women's Studies and Gender Studies. Since the study of women can't be done without at least partially studying patriarchy and men as they relate to women, a lot of WS programs might seem to address both. Is it semantics? Probably a little, but then again, I imagine that Women's Studies will not delve too deeply into the following topics: 1) arguments/research about biological/hormonal basis for sex differences, 2) intersexuality, 3) gender variance/transgenderism, 4) gender dysphoria, 5) transsexuality, 6) male studies, etc.. Women's Studies is about the female experience; gender studies is about gender. I think you'd do fine to take either, but if the aforementioned topics interest you more than feminism/dissection of the patriarchy, then Gender Studies is for you (but I might be biased; I love gender studies and am ambivalent about women's studies). Whatever you choose, good luck!
2006-10-23 12:16:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not semantics, as least not as I see it. Women's studies would be just that -- the study of issues important (and specific) to women: equal rights, discrimination, reproductive freedom, role models, self-image, eating disorders brought on by social pressures, etc.
Gender studies should by rights be more based on the meaning of gender, issues of gender identity, gender dysphoria, societal roles and strictures based on gender and perceptions about gender, and the like.
To draw the two in higher relief: a Women's Studies PhD thesis might include a section comparing and contrasting the films of Lina Wertmuller and Leni Riefenstahl. A Gender Studies PhD thesis might include a section comparing and contrasting "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" with "Hedwig and the Angry Inch."
By the way, I have it on good authority that many universities will put together a specific program for you if you can find an academic advisor whom you can convince that it's worthwhile. I'd start with the one GS program you've identified, look at the reading material and the requirements, and put together a proposal based on the scope of that one. Then start "shopping it around" to universities that seem as if they'd be open to a PhD program specializing in your particular area of interest.
2006-10-23 19:36:57 · answer #2 · answered by Scott F 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well it depends on your career goals. I don't think it's no more zoomed in than the other. I took women's studies and it wasn't like it was a feminism movement. We had guys in the class, and as a matter of fact, there was a transsexual in there too! But I don't think it's too far off unless you feel that your limited in your career moves by getting in that dicipline. Um, you can google careers with what degree your looking for and it will tell you the skills you should have coming out and the jobs you can get. Good luck on your endeavors.
2006-10-23 21:31:08 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. PHILlis (in training) 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about a PhD in Business or Electrical Engineering or Biology....both of these sound like they are a waste of time and money....women's studies....gender studies....please
2006-10-23 21:36:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋