Thirty years after women studies was institutionalized in the United States of America, women now have a place in higher education across the world. However, the women’s studies history gets lost amid politics that deny women the right to education, both outside and within the academic feminism(Boxer 43). It was not an easy task for the women who advocated for women’s studies in the institutions. It was not trouble-freefor women to get a chance to higher studies and whenever they got admission they were tied to specific areas of study which was said to be suitable for the women. In mid-1960, women who had feminism consciousness instigated the third phase by challenging the higher education content, academic procedures and structures that did not embrace the curriculum of women(Boxer 45). In their view, courses that denied women’s perspectives and experience protected old ideas that women had no intellectual capacity while extending economic, social, and political marginalization of women.
The 1960 social, political currents which allowed for student movements and free speech, was a powerful instrument that influenced initiation of women’s studies. During this period, there were revolts which advocated gender-based studies as ways of promoting civilization(Hooks 213). Thus, led to the introduction of courses which addressed women history, society, and literature, in universities, colleges, and community settings. The role played by feminists, started bearing fruits during the era of Ronald Reagan(Boxer 53). Women flocked toward professionally and business-oriented programs. This created several career opportunities to women in various fields(Lorde 37).
Evidently, the success of women’s studies was attributed by feminists. They had strongly fought for women equality in education since they believed women had a potential like their male counterparts. They changed the old believes that women have no intellectual capacity to take certain courses.
Works Cited
Boxer, Marilyn J. “Women’s studies as women’s history.” Women’s Studies Quarterly 30.3/4 (2002): 42-51.
Hooks, Bell. Feminist theory: From margin to center. Pluto Press, 2000.
Lorde, Audre. Sister outsider: Essays and speeches. Crossing Press, 2012.