This week in gender studies, we’ve touched on everything from the social construction of gender to how female politicians’ representations in the media affects their political efficacy. We’ve utilized a variety of materials, including news articles, videos and films, our personal experiences, and even the ads targeted at us on social media to situate ourselves in the current gendered reality of the world we live in.

Throughout the week, we’ve not only looked at how gender inequality appears in the gender pay gap and toxic masculinity, as well as how representations of women in the media may play a role in larger social problems. We’ve worked together to think of tangible ways we can help fight against this injustices at the individual, school, and societal levels, so that we ourselves can take a stand to reduce gender-based discrimination and misconduct.

Next week, we’ll be collaborating with the creative writing class on a fun trip to a shopping mall while learning about gender representations in advertising. We’ll also meet with administrators from Amherst College to get their perspective as higher education professionals about how gender impacts the college experience for students.