Center for the Study of Women in Society

The Center for the Study of Women in Society was founded at the University of Oregon in 1983. Its precursor, the Center for the Sociological Study of Women, was founded in 1973. This multidisciplinary research center generates, supports and disseminates research on gender and on all aspects of women's lives. A member of the National Council for Research on Women (NCRW), CSWS is one of 95 women's research and policy centers in the United States and among 300 centers in more than 80 countries. CSWS is the only University of Oregon research entity focused specifically on women and gender. Sandra Morgen, director, and CSWS were honored March 2004 by NCRW at their awards dinner "Women Who Make a Difference."

Center Goals

• Initiate research that addresses gender-related issues facing society today.
• Stimulate and increase knowledge about how gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual identity and culture shape women's lives.
• Study and evaluate the impact of policies related to women and gender.
• Improve the dissemination and use of new scholarship on women and gender.
• Create collaborating communities of scholars that enrich the intellectual environment of the university.
• Improve the climate for women faculty members and graduate students.
• Create alliances with other universities and outside organizations sharing interests in women and gender-related issues.
• Create bridges between research, teaching, public understanding, and discussion about women's lives.

To learn more about the Center and its work, visit the CSWS Web site.