What does WGST mean in SOCIOLOGY

Woman and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines the history, social roles, perspectives, experiences, and politics of women. Women’s studies looks to address topics in the areas of politics, health care, labor issues, education, literature, psychology and more.

WGST is an important academic field because it helps to understand how gender shapes our individual and collective lives. By taking a gender-informed approach to any issue or topic, it fosters greater understanding of the ways in which our circumstances contribute to inequalities along lines of gender and other identity markers. It also encourages people to challenge traditional assumptions about what it means to be a man or woman in society.

To get started in WGST you should take courses that are relevant to your interests such as women's history and gender studies. Taking classes that focus on feminist theory or sociology may also be beneficial as these classes delve into the social construction of ideas about gender roles and power dynamics. Additionally, many universities offer specialized programs in Women’s & Gender Studies where you can explore topics from different perspectives and learn research methods specific to this field.

There are a variety of career paths available for those with a degree in WGST including teaching at all levels from elementary school through college; working as a counselor or social worker with populations such as survivors of domestic violence; research positions within think tanks or advocacy organizations; positions within non-profits geared toward helping women gain access to resources such as job training programs; policy analysis including government work related to civil rights legislation; writing and publishing opportunities related to women’s studies topics; public awareness activism developing campaigns focused around issues affecting women domestically as well as internationally; arts related fields such as film production or writing plays with a focus on feminism; consulting focusing on STEM fields seeking more balanced approaches based on gender equity; law occupations centered around human rights initiatives specifically relating to women’s issues globally; entrepreneurs looking for start ups addressing gaps within markets when it comes to products created for female consumers; and many more options depending upon one’s skill set.

Students learning Woman & Gender Studies will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing cultural norms surrounding gender roles. They will also hone their communication abilities through participating in discussions related to topics like economic disparities between men and women worldwide or reproductive healthcare services access across states in the U.S.. Research skills including questionnaire design, survey analysis techniques, library research methods, database management for qualitative data sets are also emphasized given the importance placed on primary source materials used throughout this field when accessing information regarding current events impacting womxn (referring here not only those who identify as female but anyone who falls under the umbrella term “woman” which includes transgender individuals). Lastly personal growth is expected given that attending classes related directly towards equalizing disparities among genders forces students often times outside their comfort zone leading into self discovery experiences when connecting class material with daily life realities faced by individuals from various backgrounds outside their own demographic makeup.

There are so many books one could read if they want to further explore Woman & Gender Studies! Some classic texts include Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex'; bell hooks' 'Feminist Theory From Margin To Center', Sandra Lee Bartky's 'Femininity and Domination', Gloria Anzaldua's 'Borderlands/La Frontera', Audre Lorde's 'Sister Outsider', Patricia Hill Collins' 'Black Feminist Thought', Kimberle Crenshaw's 'Mapping The Margins'and Joan Scott's 'Gender & The Politics Of History'. Another resource for book recommendations would be any content shared by Professors specializing within this particular area such as Dr Angela Pao at Cornell University who regularly picks up titles she considers essential reads for students just starting out their exploration process.

Yes! A degree in WGST can open up many opportunities both professionally and academically. Pursuing graduate school after completing undergraduate studies thoroughly prepares students for further refining their skills set while fine tuning knowledge surrounding theories introduced during undergrad years while simultaneously introducing new ones allowing them space for expanding their intellectual curiosity base beyond what was explored during Bachelors tracks varying complementing them even further towards doctoral level aspirations if desired.