The University of the Aegean is launching Greece’s first undergraduate gender studies program, reflecting an academic field that emerged from women’s studies and expanded internationally from the late 1980s.
The program, developed by the Department of Social Anthropology and History, has been approved by university authorities and accredited. Supporters say gender studies provide tools for understanding social relations, inequalities and issues including violence, discrimination, migration, technology and public policy. Courses will cover topics ranging from anthropology and kinship to gender, health, artificial intelligence and economic inequalities.
Department officials cite strong public interest in gender-related issues. But this year the department, which can admit 160 students, enrolled only 22. Critics question expansion of theoretical degrees amid labor market pressures.
