Women, gender and society
Jan van Bommel
12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
Objectives This subject aims to introduce students 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; introduce students 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, gender, the sexual division of labour and the body; enable students to understand the political questions for women involved in the issues of equal pay, gender at work and new technologies; enable students to understand and articulate analyses of the various theoretical approaches studied; provide students 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 feminism. The topics include: a history of feminism, the feminisms, patriarchy, 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 One essay (4000 words): 50%
* Two short essays (2500
words each): 25% each
Recommended texts
Barrett M Women's oppression today Verso, 1988
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
Gunew S (ed.) Feminist knowledge: Critique and construct Routledge, 1990
Wajcman J Feminism confronts technology Allen and Unwin, 1991
Walby S Theorising patriarchy Basil Blackwell, 1990
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