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What is gender studies?

WTAMU Intro to Gender Studies, Fall 2016.

Students in gender studies examine the role that gender and gendering play in our society. Not only is gender something that we are assigned at birth, it is also something that we will negotiate throughout our life.

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Gender studies explores the cultural and historical conceptions of sex and gender through multiple perspectives. The social construction of gender refers to the masculine or feminine traits assigned to people, actions, and situations; these are societally recognized agreements that say, for instance, girls like pink ponies and boys like blue trucks. Even though children's toys are marketed this way not all girls will like pink ponies, and not all boys will like blue trucks. Additionally, not all parents may want their male children playing with pink ponies. These gendered constructions of male/female toys are linked with gendered expectations that influence our interaction with them. Gender studies looks at these representations and expectations, and attempts to foster an understanding of the issues related to gender and identity.

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If you would like more information WTAMU has its own interdisciplinary gender studies certificate program, and more information can be found here.​ Additionally, many gender studies electives are available in a wide variety of disciplines. You do not have to be enrolled in the gender studies certificate program to enroll in many gender studies classes.

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