Gender and Society

(Cross-listed w/ WGSS 40 and CVS 30) Examination of gender and its prevalence in social life. Topics include the relationships between gender, sex and power relations; and how perceptions of gender change over time and help shape life opportunities and outcomes, and gender functions as a social construction. Consideration of gender expression through configurations of femininity and masculinity, and co-construction with race, sexuality, social class, ability, nation, and other lines of difference. Case studies may include the nature vs. nurture debate; gender and institutions, including families, schools, and religion; how gender shapes the nation state; masculinity; and feminist politics.