Women’s Studies: The Basics is an accessible introduction into the ever expanding and increasingly relevant field of studies focused on women. Tracing the history of the discipline from its origins, this text sets out the main agendas of women’s studies and feminism, exploring the global development of the subject over time, and highlighting its relevance in the contemporary world. Reflecting the diversity of the field, core themes include: the interdisciplinary nature of women’s studies core feminist theories and the feminist agenda issues of intersectionality: women, race, class and gender women, sexuality and the body global perspectives on the study of women the relationship between women’s studies and gender studies. Providing a firm foundation for all those new to the subject, this book is valuable reading for undergraduates and postgraduates majoring in women’s studies and gender studies, and all those in related disciplines seeking a helpful overview for women-centred, subject specific courses.

Women&Rsquo;S Studies First Emerged In India During The 1970S As A Forceful Critique Of Those Processes That Had Made Women Invisible&Nbsp;After Independence&Mdash;Invisible Not Only To Society And The State, But Also To Higher Education And Its Disciplines.&Nbsp;Since That Beginning, So Much Has Happened In This Already Vast Field That It Would Be Hard To Find A Major Issue Or Subject That Has Not Been Addressed By Scholars And Activists.&Nbsp; This Comprehensive Reader Sets Out To Provide A Map Of The Development Of Women&Rsquo;S Studies And The Ever Expanding Terrain That It Has Been Investigating.&Nbsp;The Introduction Explores The Growth Of The Field From The Upheavals Of The 1970S To The Transformed Conjunctures Of The 1990S. In The Process, The Often Elusive Relationships Between Women&Rsquo;S Studies, The Women&Rsquo;S Movement And The Structures Of Higher Education Are Highlighted.&Nbsp;Over Eighty Edited Essays Have Been Brought Together In This Single Volume Under Distinct Thematic Clusters&Mdash;From The New Beginnings Of The 1970S To Politics, History, Development, Violence, The Law, Education, Health, Family And Household, Caste And Tribe, Religion And Communalism, Sexualities, And Literature And The Media.&Nbsp;This Reader Is For Both Newcomers To Women&Rsquo;S Studies And For Those Who Have Long Been Part Of It.&Nbsp;

Women’s Studies investigates the world from women-centred perspectives which cross the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines. Thus every issue, every question is material for Women’s Studies. The worldwide development of Women’s Studies during the 1970s and 1980s presented a radical challenge to the male-centred bias which dominated knowledge-making at the time. Originally published in 1983, in this book feminist scholars discuss the assumptions and aims of Women’s Studies, its connections with the women’s movement, its research, its teaching and its emerging methodologies. The contributors come from a range of disciplines: the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and from international backgrounds, primarily the USA, and Britain, Germany and Switzerland. They are united in working to develop a trans-disciplinary approach to the generation and distribution of knowledge and it is these new questions and their implications that demonstrate the exciting potential of a feminist education in women’s international quest for social change.

DIVThe future of a retheorized women's studies in an increasingly institutionalized context./div

The contributors to this study explore the work of the major theorists who have inspired and carried out feminist analysis in women's studies, gender studies, cultural studies and sociology.

At a time where, after decades of progress in gender and sexual rights, people in many parts of the world are facing new forms of resistance and opposition to gender equality, this timely publication confirms the continuing importance and relevance of gender and women's studies. The fifth edition of this best-selling textbook provides a comprehensive overview of key issues and debates in gender and feminist theory. With fully revised chapters written by specialists across a range of core topics including sexuality, race, bodies, family, masculinity, methodologies and migration, this clearly written but rigorous collection examines contemporary debates and provides helpful examples and questions to consider. Furthermore, it continues to reflect the shift from women's studies to gender studies, incorporating coverage of masculinity throughout, as well as discussing live debates such as around global activism, transgender rights and the environment. It continues to be an indispensable resource for students, academics and anyone interested in this lively field. New to this Edition: - A new chapter on gender and migration - Expanded discussion of transgender rights as well as masculinity studies - Brings seven new contributors to the collection; with newly authored chapters on Gender and Environment, Gender and Education, Gender and Sexuality and Gender and Race - Fully revised and updated with new material and new case examples - Greater attention to intersectional approaches and international reach

This volume provides a critical examination of the status of women and gender in higher education today. Despite the increasing numbers of women in higher education, gendered structures continue to hinder women’s advancement in academia. This book goes beyond the numbers to examine the issues facing those members of academia with non-dominant gender identities. The authors analyze higher education structures from a range of perspectives and offer recommendations at individual and institutional levels to encourage activism and advance equality in academia.