Career Profiles

Career Profiles

Women's Studies

What in the World is Women’s Studies?

Women’s Studies is an internationally recognised, multidisciplinary field of teaching and research that seeks to understand the social construction of gender, and the historical and contemporary mechanisms that promote or limit women’s development as full participants in society. It seeks to

• challenge and critique the conventional male-generated constructionsof knowledge,
• understand the unique experience of women of all ethnicities, races, sexual orientations and socioeconomic classes, and
• evaluate their contributions to the intellectual, social, political, economic, spiritual and artistic achievements that make up human culture

It encourages people

• to understand the subjective, gender and culture specific nature of their own values, beliefs and customs, as well as those of others, and ultimately
• takes a global perspective in promoting the equitable treatment of all members of human society

How does Women’s Studies Relate to the Job Market?

Women’s Studies is an intellectually challenging area of study that develops, in particular, the skills of critical thinking and analysis that are considered essential for the ‘knowledge economy.’

Where do Women’s Studies Graduates Work?

Women’s Studies graduates enter a variety of work environments and find different ways to apply their knowledge. In some cases their work is a direct extension of their formal study. In other cases their work role is not so obviously connected with Women’s Studies, but their knowledge underpins all they do and adds extra skills and understanding. Another group again choose to express their knowledge in creative work or activities which may not constitute a formal job, but which contributes to the broader vision of gender equity.

Want to read more? Download a complete copy of Career View on Women's Studies.

Career View on Women's Studies is part of the Career View series produced by Career Development and Employment at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. While the booklet was originally developed for a New Zealand audience, we believe that graduates in Australia will also find the information within it relevant and useful.