The development of women’s studies has been significant in both the U.S. and abroad. The subject is necessary as it covers the plight of women all over the world, and is directly relevant to both male and female students today.
The information taught and discussed within women’s studies programs has huge importance all over the world. Domination is an increasing problem on a global scale to which everyone is vulnerable (Searle). Women’s Studies provides a historical perspective of such domination and is therefore relevant to everyone, both in the U.S. and overseas.
Some people fail to see why women’s studies is still necessary, citing the argument that we are now living in a post-feminist era and that women’s lives have improved greatly over the years (Stewart). However, while there have been significant improvements in the U.S. at least, there are still vast differences in the treatment of the two sexes. For example, women still earn less money than men, even when childless (Stewart).
Women’s studies is about women all around the globe and not just those in developed and privileged countries. Outside of the U.S. there are plenty of areas where women are given less rights than men. In most Arab countries, for example, women are deemed as inferior to men and therefore have fewer legal and social rights (Bard). It is important that students around the world are aware of the diversity that still exists and the lack of equality still being experienced my millions of women.
Women’s studies is an important academic discipline. Not only does it highlight and discuss the experiences of women all over the world through the course of history, but its concepts and theories are relevant to other groups suffering from inequality and domination.
Works Cited
Bard, M. “Human Rights in Arab Countries.” Jewish Virtual Library. 2011. Web. 11 Feb
2012. http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths/mf16.html
Searle, J. “Horizons in a Time of Crisis: What Women’s Studies Can Teach Us.” The New
Every Day. 21 June 2011. Web. 11 Feb 2012.
http://mediacommons.futureofthebook.org/tne/pieces/horizons-time-crisiswhat-
womens-studies-can-teach-us
Stewart, M.L. “Why Women’s Studies, Still?” Straight. 2 March 2009. Web. 9 Feb 2012.
http://www.straight.com/article-203952/mary-lynn-stewart-why-womens-studies-still
