Gender Studies

What is Gender Studies?

Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines how cultural constructions of femininity and masculinity influence human thinking, behavior and, consequently, human institutions.

Assumptions about gender – and factors such as race, class, age and sexual orientation – affect family and personal relationships, political, legal and economic decisions, and social institutions. These factors also influence, and are influenced by, representations of women and men in literature, art and film, as well as historical and philosophical texts.

Why take Gender Studies at Cedar Crest?

The Gender Studies minor is excellent for any student who seeks to approach the topic of gender from a multidisciplinary perspective. It is an ideal course of study for students in business, education, psychology, social work, pre-law, anthropology and sociology, nursing and pre-med, communications studies, literary studies and philosophy. Students contemplating careers in counseling, teaching, human resources, law, or medicine will find that a sensitivity to and an ability to analyze and respond to gender dynamics will strengthen their appeal to potential employers as well as contribute to their success on the job.