SCY3470

Women, gender and society

Jan van Bommel

8 points - 2 hours per week - First semester - Clayton

Objectives Students, on completion of this subject, should have been introduced to a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of the position of women in contemporary society, drawing from sociological perspectives and various theories and practices of the feminisms; introduced to a discussion of current theoretical debates concerning the relationship between women, gender and society, such as a history of feminism, the feminisms, theories of patriarchy, the sexual division of labour and the body; enabled to understand the political questions for women involved in the issues of equal pay, gender at work and new technologies; enabled to understand and be able to articulate the various analytical skills and theoretical approaches studied; provided with conceptual and critical resources to write clear and competent essays on various topics.

Synopsis This subject critically assesses the position of women in contemporary society through a critique of sociological explanations and an examination of the theories and practices of feminisms. The topics include a history of feminism, the feminisms, theories of patriarchy and feminist theories of gender, class and the sexual division of labour. In particular, we will focus on the issues of equal pay, gender at work and women and new technologies. We shall conclude with a brief discussion of what concerns Australian feminists today, for example the 'equality versus difference' debate, the body and psychoanalysis.

Assessment Two essays (3000 words each): 50% each

Recommended texts

Barrett M Women's oppression today Verso, 1988
Bowen J Feminists fatale: The changing face of Australian feminism Harper Collins, 1998
Butler J and Scott J W (eds) Feminists theorize the political Routledge, 1992
Caine B and Pringle R (eds) Transitions: New Australian feminisms Allen and Unwin, 1995
Wajcman J Feminism confronts technology Allen and Unwin, 1991
Walby S Theorising patriarchy Basil Blackwell, 1990

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