Women's studies refocuses: Some say now all-inclusive program strays from original purpose
Link (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/SCHOOLS/804300394/1026)
4/30/2008
"ROCHESTER -- Jamie Christofel is a proud feminist majoring in what was
once known as women's studies at Oakland University.
But OU recently joined other schools across the country and ditched
the old program name in favor of the more inclusive Women and Gender
Studies. And while she's all for progress and inclusion, she
vehemently opposes the name change."
WGS programs are already pretty common in institutions that consider women's issues. It's the closest Women's Studies can get to a stand-alone program at most of them.
In addition to TG and other sexuality issues, Gender Studies also allows men to become part of the conversation. You aren't going to be able to achieve equality and dignity for women unless the role of men is criticed as well. As a male, this completeness happens to be important to me...
No matter what they call it, its still a low-rent major with few career options after graduation outside of teaching such courses.