SCY2470

Women, Gender and Society

(ART)

Jan van Bommel

6 points + 2 hours per week + First semester + Caulfield + Prerequisites: A first-year sequence in Sociology or permission + Prohibition: SCY3470

Synopsis: This subject will critically assess the position of women in contemporary society through a critique of sociological and feminist theories. The topics include: a history of feminism, the feminisms, theories of patriarchy and the gender 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 on what concerns Australian feminists today, for example, the 'equality versus difference' debate, the body and psychoanalysis.

Assessment: Essay (2500 words): 60% + Class test (2 hours): 40%