Gender, Work and Social Inquiry
In the Discipline of Gender, Work and Society we explore the ways in which society is structured around gender and other social identities such as class, age, race and ethnicity. We examine the ways in which these categories influence life experiences in everyday and institutional contexts such as work, family, housing, sexuality and health.
- Why would I study in Gender, Work and Social Inquiry?
- Why would I study it at the University of Adelaide?
- How can I study Gender, Work & Social Inquiry?
- Career Pathways
Why would I study in Gender, Work and Social Inquiry?
- Gender is one of the most significant and far-reaching influences on life experience and outcomes - just try to think of an area of your life where it doesn't make a difference if you are male or female.
- In spite of many efforts to overcome it, social inequality in our world persists. Studying in Gender, Work and Social Inquiry can help you to understand how and why this happens and how you can help.
- Study in Gender, Work and Social Inquiry is relevant, engaged, up-to-date and fun. You will deal with historical and contemporary issues in local, and global places, from debates over paid parental leave and youth homelessness to discussions of men's bodybuilding and transgender lives.
- International organisations such as World Health Organisation and The United Nations' Millennium Development Goals name gender equity as a global priority. Gender and social justice matter, and we will give you the knowledge, skills and tools to investigate why it matters.
Why would I study gender studies at the University of Adelaide?
The Discipline of Gender, Work and Society at the University of Adelaide has a long tradition in leadership in Gender Studies and Social Inquiry, and remains one of the foremost departments in the field in Australia. It is closely linked to the Fay Gale Centre for Research on Gender, providing a vibrant and active climate of inquiry that our academic staff pass on to students. Our staff also have excellent cross-disciplinary links with other Faculties (such as Health Sciences) and are not afraid to think outside the box.
All staff are active researchers and dedicated, creative teachers with a strong commitment to the community and to principles of equity, diversity and social justice. We strive to foster inclusive learning environments and to accommodate the experience of students from non-traditional backgrounds. This results in a class environment where students' life experiences are valued and become part of the process of inquiry.
Gender, Work and Society is a leader within the University in teaching hands-on research skills and social research theories and methods, skills which are crucial throughout the Social Sciences and to the Bachelor of Social Sciences degree. Studying these courses gives students' concrete, marketable employment skills and a strong foundation for postgraduate study across the social sciences and humanities.
How can I study Gender, Work and Social Inquiry?
Gender, Work and Social Inquiry can be undertaken as a major in a Bachelor of Social Sciences or a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students can also choose to study Gender, Work and Social Inquiry as a minor or as a single course in the free choice electives of the following degrees:
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Development Studies
• Bachelor of International Studies
• Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management
• Bachelor of Social Sciences
• Bachelor of Media
• Bachelor of Languages (electives only)
Career Pathways
Our graduates have found employment in many fields in Australia and internationally, including government policy, community development, health policy and education, trade unions, social planning, youth work, media and public relations, equal opportunity, environmental agencies, market research and academia.
