Why?  Well ...

The original prompts behind Women’s Studies Programs were very real needs—

To add new information –about women, their lives and experiences;
from women, their perspectives, their knowledge,

To correct existing ideas – which were half truths at best, and

To rethink our assumptions and theories in light of this new data and these more complete understandings.

In short, it was an opportunity to …

reconsider what it is we believe we know —

and ... it still is ... a chance for women (and men alike) to revisit

our various "studies"  from a new angle, in a different key,

and then&there ...

TO RECONSIDER “IT” ALL.

 

 

And .... 

What can you do with a Women's Studies' Minor?

What can a Women's Studies' Minor do for you?

The best answer is probably:  There's no telling.

But the next best answer is:  Plenty.

It has been a long time coming (and it will be a long time, coming further). The world is beginning to "listen to women" -- to believe them, to regard them, respect them, incorporate them into key places, performing key work.  Granted, real and durable equality between the sexes is still a light at the end of a tunnel -- so to speak, but.... and it's a sizable but....

Against the grain of a man's world, women’s equality is becoming a value increasingly integrated into our culture. And that includes corporate culture, a potentially important context for college graduates. Workplaces increasingly strive for more "women-friendly" policies and practices. There are an impressive number of programs designed specifically for women -- devoted to women’s concerns -- businesses, non-profit organizations, government programs, etc. -- such ventures as women’s shelters, rape counseling centers, and resources for women's career guidance.  Moreover, the time is ripe for women to initiate new ventures in an array of fields (See any of the following websites ... and/or follow their links:

http://www.nwsa.org/employ/wost.php

http://www.womenstudies.wisc.edu/WSP/WSP-Career_Jobs.htm

https://www.msu.edu/~wmstdy/wsmjr1.htm)

Certainly, women (and men) who have a degree in Women’s Studies are likely to have an edge when employers are looking specifically for candidates with a feminist perspective. However, Women's Studies provides a healthy dimensionality to one's pursuits in any field, any line of work. A 2004 list released by the NWSA listed 203 distinct positions accepted by recent Women's Studies graduates. These ranged widely, including law, government, publishing, advertising, corporations (both for-profit and non-profit), human resources, teaching at all levels, and many more. In addition, for men and women alike, a minor (or major) in WMST does wonders for their own sense of identity within an enriched, freshly defined world enlarged by revised historical and global perspectives. And personal growth is a worthy fringe benefit!

As we move into the future, more and more positions will likely open for both men and women who have devoted specific study to the vital issues covered in Women's Studies programs.  And not only here -- in the U.S. -- but internationally as well.

As to specific careers, a short list follows:

 Clinical Social Worker

 Health Clinic Coordinator

 Women's Center Coordinator/Director

 College Professor

 

 Human Rights Advocate

 Victims' Advocate

 Journalist

 Archivist

 Commentator

 

 Attorney

 

 Artist or Musician

 

 Battered Women's Center Director

 

 Business Owner

 

 Legislative Aide

 

 Public Relations Manager

 

 Rape Crisis Program Director

 

 Union Organizer

For women (and men) interested in further study, a useful list of Women's Studies graduate programs may be found at: http://www.artemisguide.com/