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Why Study Gender Studies?

Gender studies is an interesting and important field of study that explores the social, political, and cultural constructions of gender. The field gives students an in-depth look into the social construction of gender and what that means for everyone on both personal levels (like understanding oneself) as well as cultural levels. It offers a unique perspective on the world and can help students understand how gender shapes their lives and the lives of others. There are many reasons why students should consider a degree in gender studies and in this blog post we will explore just a few of them.

May 31, 2019
  • Education
Why Study Gender Studies?

What is gender studies?

Gender studies is a relatively new academic field that explores ideas around gender identity and gendered representations. It evolved out of women's studies and was heavily influenced by postmodern and poststructuralist theory. As such, gender studies is deeply suspicious of grand or naturalized narratives. It rejects, or at the very least subverts, traditional assumptions on what it means to be a 'man' or a 'woman' (quote marks important). A quote from the French philosopher and social theorist Simone de Beauvoir is an excellent starting point for anyone interested in the subject. She wrote: "One is not born a woman, one becomes one.” This basic idea is the center point for many of the most influential gender studies theorists, including Judith Butler, author of the seminal text Gender Trouble.

The rise of gender studies degrees

Since the 1990s, there’s been a 300% increase in the number of gender studies graduates. Many young people are drawn to the subject's explicitly political and social purpose, which aims to build a more inclusive world where gender expectations do not restrict opportunity. Doreen Mattingly, chair of San Diego State’s gender studies programs, writes, “Our curriculum is really about social justice, and I think at this moment a lot of students are realizing that this is where students want to put their energy."

But while Gender Studies is a good route into political or social activism, there are many other benefits to studying gender. Gender studies is a broad, interdisciplinary subject that encompasses literature, history, sociology, law, public health, and much more. It also encourages a critical approach to identifying problems, intellectual curiosity, and open and creative thinking that's essential for innovation and progress. In other words, students who opt for gender studies are not limiting their career choices.

So here are five reasons which highlight the importance of gender studies:

1. It relates to pretty much anything

The idea of gender as a social construct requires a multidisciplinary approach. Because if gender is more of an abstract idea than a biological fact, then it is impossible to focus on a single subject area. For example, gender roles have changed dramatically within the last century, but this change was driven by an intersection of cultural factors ranging from science, economics, shifts in religious attitudes, political movements, digital technology, artistic representations, and medicine. Just think about the contrast between the traditional idea of a 1950s housewife and the contemporary advertising archetype of the city-dwelling young professional woman.

This 'new' gender role is now accepted and promoted in many cultures, and is borne out of many political and social developments, such as the availability of birth control, equal opportunity legislation, and free market principles which create services and products that reflect and enable new gender norms. This is why no television network from the 1950s could have possibly produced a show like Sex and the City.

When you major or minor in gender studies, you will study politics, critical theory, literature, history, sociology, and psychology, all from a feminist or gendered perspective. To put it another way, it applies to pretty much anything, and a three-year gender studies undergraduate degree will give you a solid grounding in a range of academic subjects that can lead to many different opportunities.

2. It transcends gender

One of the most critical terms in gender studies is intersectionality, which can also be referred to as intersectional feminism. Intersectionality describes the interconnected relationship between social categories, such as gender, race, and economic status.

This overlapping system of identity creates a more nuanced view of how individuals relate to dominant ideological positions. For instance, and depending on the context, the experience of a white woman is likely to be very different from a woman of color. The same can be said of an able-bodied woman of color when compared to a disabled woman of color born in an economically deprived area.

Without the concept of intersectionality, such individuals can become lost in broad social categories, which can fail to adequately express individual differences or identify the potential for oppression or exclusion. Gender studies acknowledges the role of gender in creating identity, but, by applying its multi-faceted approach to gender, it has conceptualized a new analytical framework for understanding (and potentially overcoming) the interlocking systems of power that impact the most marginalized members of society.

3. Gender studies is about equality

The elimination of prejudice and discrimination isn't just a moral issue, it is also a vital legal one the world over, making gender studies an essential tool in the ongoing struggle for equality and opportunity for every individual.

Women make up half of the workforce and yet are noticeably underrepresented in the top political and corporate positions, and even more so in specific industries like engineering and tech. Gender studies raises a vital question: are such choices driven by our biology, or are males and females more influenced by cultural norms and expectations?

Either way, a female engineer will almost certainly be outnumbered by her male colleagues, and an awareness of new concepts around gender ensures that employers create a working environment that provides enough opportunity for every worker, no matter their gender. And there's plenty of evidence that this is already happening, notably in science. In the 1970s, women occupied just seven percent of jobs within the STEM fields. Today that same figure is at 24%. This might not be the jump that many people had hoped for, but it's proof women are benefitting from more opportunities than ever before, and of how gender studies is making a significant contribution to this continuing trend.

4. Gender Studies has real-world consequences

Gender studies is a complex subject, and leading academics like Judith Butler and Julie Kristeva are among some of the greatest intellectuals of the last 20th century. Their texts re-examine the very foundations of psychoanalytical theory, Western philosophy, and the objectivity of scientific research. Their arguments are incredibly nuanced and can take years of academic study before being fully appreciated. As such, a cursory reading can lead to the incorrect conclusion that such ideas are purely theoretical, but it's important to remember that they have real-world consequences.

Gender studies graduates have a variety of career options beyond academia, including roles in NGOs, charities, and women's organizations. What's more, many people working in professional and volunteer sectors are turning to the subject to deepen their understanding of the issues they face daily. Examples include people running women's shelters on a volunteer basis or human rights lawyers working towards the protection and expansion of anti-discrimination legislation.

Studying gender provides a unique and stimulating intellectual challenge. More importantly, it can be your first big step in enacting real changes that can improve the lives of countless people all over the world.

5. Gender studies provides plenty of career opportunities

There is no lack of job opportunities for those with a degree in gender studies. Gender studies graduates often find themselves in high demand for their analytic skills and critical thinking. Because gender studies encompass such a wide range of topics - from history to sociology to psychology - those who have studied the field are well-rounded and prepared for many different career paths. Some common jobs for gender studies majors include policy analyst, human resources specialist, public relations specialist, market research analyst, and teacher. With a background in gender studies, you will be able to think critically about the world around you and understand how gender shapes our lives. This understanding is essential for creating change in our society and finding a meaningful career path.

The field of gender studies is about so much more than women's rights. In fact, the same arguments can be applied to theories of masculinity and the ways in which they may enforce cultural stereotypes upon men. It's essentially an inclusive project aiming towards creating the social, political, and cultural conditions that can provide the greatest freedoms and opportunities to every individual, regardless of their gender, race, or sexuality.

Gender studies degrees can be found at all academic levels: from bachelor, to master, and doctorate. There are many different types of gender studies degrees available, each with its own unique focus. Some common gender studies degree programs include women's studies, men's studies, and LGBTQ studies. If you're interested in making a real difference in the world, explore a degree in gender studies today.

This article was updated on 06 May 2022.

Ashley Murphy

Author

After graduating with a degree in English literature and creative writing, Ashley worked as a bartender, insurance broker, and teacher. He became a full-time freelance writer in 2016. He lives and writes in Manchester, England.