No "Men's Studies" major: gender discrimination? (Palestinian, ethics, Reagan)

[jghorton]

There are many women in every generation who are an established part of world history, for example:

Golda Meir, Madam Curie, Indira Ghandi, Queen Elizabelth I, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Madeleine Albright, Serena Williams, Margaret Thatcher, Eleanor Roosevelt, Oprah Winfrey, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Pearl S. Buck, Cleopatra, Amelia Erhardt, Ella Fitzgerald, Joan of Arc, Mother Theresa, Helen Keller, Rosa Parks, Margaret Sanger, Harriett Tubman, etc..

By assigning them their own study, it suggests that prominent, accomplished women (not simply well known entertainers) -- are so unusual and unique, they cannot stand alone as part of history. IMO, this undermines their accomplishments, ... as would a "men's studies" curriculum.

[Steve McDonald]

Originally Posted by MLSFan

we have male studies it's called history, where 90% of the leaders are men

I don't get the women's studies major though, never sat in on a class, what do they talk about?

You'll never know, because they carry out secret rituals, that are closed to men.

[Frostnip]

If you're honestly curious, go to the website any major university that has a Women's Studies program and browse through to that department, and peruse their syllabuses for yourself.

One major focus, obviously, is addressing the fact that while women have made up half the human population, give or take a bit, throughout history, they and their contributions are underrepresented in most fields of study. It's simply foolish to think only a few "figurehead" females played significant roles in historical events, the arts, etc...rolling back that curtain of invisibility can reveal a richer picture. It can be particularly interesting to look at the "female sphere" as worthy of study in its own regard, rather than only examining women who famously participated in male-dominated fields (e.g. female heads of state). Another major focus is looking perceptions of gender and the impact of gender in various situations. There is also the intellectual exercise of looking at, for example, historical events from the point of view of females, rather than simply accepting the male-dominated popular narratives. And, of course, there is feminist theory itself....just to name a few topics.

While a lot of this is very "academic," there are plenty of practical applications. For example, psych, sociology, and medical studies are most often done on sample groups of men. Re-examining such work can lead to insights that improve health care, and improve our understanding of human dynamics in ways that can be applied in many real-world situations.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by jghorton

There are many women in every generation who are an established part of world history, for example:

Golda Meir, Madam Curie, Indira Ghandi, Queen Elizabelth I, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Madeleine Albright, Serena Williams, Margaret Thatcher, Eleanor Roosevelt, Oprah Winfrey, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Pearl S. Buck, Cleopatra, Amelia Erhardt, Ella Fitzgerald, Joan of Arc, Mother Theresa, Helen Keller, Rosa Parks, Margaret Sanger, Harriett Tubman, etc..

By assigning them their own study, it suggests that prominent, accomplished women (not simply well known entertainers) -- are so unusual and unique, they cannot stand alone as part of history. IMO, this undermines their accomplishments, ... as would a "men's studies" curriculum.

Maybe if they were actually included as more than just a footnote in history classes, then we wouldn't need Women's Studies classes.

[phetaroi]

To the men who don't understand this: you'd embarrassed if you knew how you sounded. Honestly, the concept is not difficult. One group dominates culture (such as the presidents, or the Congress)...in this case the men. People in an opposing group begin to question why such dominance...in this case the women. Thus they begin studying the phenomenon.

[Carolina Knight]

If colleges and universities are going to have women's studies, they need to have men's studies also or they need to do away with gender specific studies altogether. Sadly, we are being forced into segregation again by gender orientation, sexual orientation, and the ethnicity of our predecessors.

[tailsock]

same reason that burglers in home security commercials are always white when an overwhelming majority of burglers are actually black.... political correctness

[SMSweeney]

While I've never taken a women's studies class, I have read a good deal of what would constitute a reading list for the major, just as a woman who enjoys reading about social issues.
I did take a Black studies course, as one course in multiculturalism was required as part of the distribution requirements at my university.
It was super interesting and informative, and I'm surprised the op was never expected to do similar.
Your post suggests that you need such a course to simply understand the value of it

[Ro2113]

Originally Posted by tailsock

same reason that burglers in home security commercials are always white when an overwhelming majority of burglers are actually black.... political correctness

You have no idea how wrong you are.

The following comment explains it:

Originally Posted by phetaroi

Honestly, the concept is not difficult. One group dominates culture (such as the presidents, or the Congress)...in this case the men. People in an opposing group begin to question why such dominance...in this case the women. Thus they begin studying the phenomenon.

[phetaroi]

Originally Posted by Ro2113

You have no idea how wrong you are.

The following comment explains it:

Of course the silly thing is, most of those arguing in favor of a men's study program...wouldn't take it in college IF they even went to college. This is very similar to a thread up in the education sub-forum where some are arguing about how unimportant college degrees are...and most of them never got one (that was hard to figure out). This is another part of the culture wars. It gets boring and silly.