What is it about women that warrants them having a whole section in social science called Womens Studies?

Question

As a matter of fact, how does women's studies get a whole course of study and curriculum in most of colleges/universities?

Are men not worthy of such attention and study?

Answer 1

I think you would have found (had you bothered to look up one of the many, many duplicates of hits question there are in the archives) that most of the people here, men and women, would prefer a general "gender studies" section.

I think the idea of "women's studies" originated because western culture has a history of being very confused about women. For example, for a long time (even into the 20th century) it was believed that healthy women had no sex drive. Many women who did admit to having sexual thoughts and feelings were subjected to cruel experimental "treatments" that left them traumatized or even mutilated. More recent misconceptions involve the idea that there's something wrong with a woman who doesn't want to have kids, or wants to work outside of the home, or didn't want to marry. It was a good thing that the concept of "women's studies" originated, we were long overdue to take n honest look at women, and what they really are, feel, and experience.

But to answer your question, i think we're honestly pretty screwed up in a lot of ways regarding what we think men naturally are, or what we expect them to be. So yes, gender roles and expectations for BOTH sexes are something we need to look at and reflect on and consider, and keep a dialog about.

Answer 2

Well, "Women's Studies" is not just about history, it's about application of social science techniques to current issues facing women. It's also about social theories.

It's pretty interdisciplinary to a certain extent.

I really don't think Men's Studies is all that necessary because it would then be something of a mirror, but I would like to see discussion about masculinity (which already exists in some colleges).

Notice that I mean discussion from a neutral viewpoint, not a biased one.

By the by, it's often called "Women and Gender Studies," which gives more credence to the interdisciplinary idea. I don't think the mere name "Women's Studies" is that great of a title for it, to tell you the truth.

Answer 3

For all the reasons already stated, we need Women's Studies.
We also need to study the effects of social change on men. Such Q & A are welcome in this category, as you can see by recent posts on how divorce affects men. Sociology would be another place for discussions of how social changes affect men.

There has even been discussion of adding a Men's Studies category, or re-naming this catergory to Gender Studies, but so far, Yahoo has not taken any action in that direction. They always seem to refer askers to other categories like Men's Health, Sociology or Society & Culture.

Answer 4

The fact that people can give this question serious attention shows how far we've come. Until relatively recently, women in the US couldn't vote, couldn't own property, couldn't work in most professions and in fact were the property of their fathers or husbands. But despite our progress, women still run few corporations and hold few leadership positions in government. Much of our world is run from a male perspective, and if you doubt that, ask a woman what she thinks about war.

Looking beyond the US, women are still oppressed in much of the world. The second-class status of women is built into the language in Japan and other countries. Wome are stoned to death in Afghanistan and elsewhere for having sex outside of marriage. Many young Muslim women have their clitorises forcibly cut out at a young age. I'd say we have a long way to go, and the subject is still worthy of study.

But I also agree that men need more attention too. There are a few college courses about men, but not many. Men are more and more underrepresented on college campuses, and we don't know why, because efforts to find out are seen as an attack on women.

More study of both seems called for to me.

Answer 5

In to bring a balance of power, access, and money to the world, issues regarding women need to be studied, and not only by women. All students should be required to take at least one Women's studies course as a history course because without a clear understanding of women's history, how can things change for the better? We all came here through a woman, and the lack of respect for women and their role in the world is pretty sad.

With men having so much power and dominance, wouldn't it be good for them to understand why it is necessary to hire and promote women to positions of authority and power, to share power? Wouldn't it be good for all to learn the importance of women beyond sex and child care?


Wouldn't it be good for young women to develop pride in themselves and womens' contributions to society; that men aren't the only ones who can look forward to being productive citizens? It could also teach both genders to respect and understand each other. Women's studies can be a way for one to become more involved in what makes the whole society as it is. If you are a person interested in helping people improve their lot in life, understanding the systemic causes of their problems is vitally important.

Answer 6

Did You actually do any preliminary research before You asked this question? Sorry to be the one to have to tell You, but the 'band wagon' has already left without You. Contact The National Organization of Men Against Sexism (NOMAS) and get some factual information. Thank You for visiting Our century. Have a nice return journey.

Answer 7

It has no longer something to do with women human beings's study simply by fact the posters are asking questions hoping the Purveyor of Perfections solutions their insipid little questions. They pass on the GWS section the guy-with-No-Flaws dominates and positioned up their very imperfect question praying to the guy upstairs, "Oh God, please enable him, the guy they call suitable, answer my question so i will acquire his mind-blowing and penetrating diagnosis to my very own problems. i'm so tousled with my life precise now God I in simple terms prefer this suitable Poster to respond to my much less-than-suitable question. Is that too plenty to ask Jehovah? Is it?!" and so as that they positioned up. Hoping to be the fortunate gal or guy which the appropriate Y!A person provides his erudite answer it incredibly is brilliantly written and properly-concept and by no potential, ever unsuitable. They positioned up on the girls human beings's study simply by fact they like Mr. suitable to grant.....the appropriate answer.

Answer 8

Ok, there are three classes available to you:

1. Men's European History Before 1600
2. European History Before 1600
3. Women's European History Before 1600

One of these is redundant! $50 to whomever can tell me which one!

Seriously, though. If you see a need for Men's Studies, per-se, go right ahead. Women fought long and hard to get Women's Studies to begin with - now it's your turn to fight for what you want. I'll support you 100%.

Answer 9

Maybe it's a question of demand and supply?

If people were interested in Men's Studies maybe that would have its own section too.

What an opportunity for you to become a trailblazer . . . an example to men everywhere!

Answer 10

Women have a sect of social studies for the same reason all formerly oppressed minorities have a seperate social science. For the majority of history, white males have dominated society in the West, and then through colonization elsewhere. Women, like blacks and Jews, were considered an oppressed minority-----therefore we also have Black History and Jewish Studies.