Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Overview

About the Program

All of the courses in the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program of Rutgers University are interdisciplinary. Each course considers the complex dynamics linking race, ethnicity, locality, class, gender, and sexuality. The readings and discussions in each class represent a wide variety of perspectives concerning issues such as: the conceptualization of difference, the production and recreation of femininity and masculinity, language and gender, the division of labor, women and poverty, sexual violence, reproductive rights, gay and lesbian theory, gender and popular theory, and contemporary feminist politics. Ultimately, we strive to ground both research and theory in the everyday realities of feminist activism around the globe. Women’s & Gender Studies program faculty, students, and staff are both active members and leaders of academic and community women’s organizations.

WGSS alumnae pursue their professional career in various fields. One-fifth of our graduates continues their education in graduate programs in different fields (political science, English, law) around the country. Many alumnae also engage in work in the area of health and pharmacy (about one fourth). Others choose law (one-fifth of the alumnae), education (one fourth), and media or computer studies. Many WGSS graduates continue their activist work in non-governmental organizations that engage with women and work, international politics and women’s leadership.