Disciplining the Feminist Bodies of Knowledge: Are We Creating or Reproducing Academic Structure?

Abstract

In this essay I examine the debates over the direction of Women's Studies toward disciplinary or interdisciplinary paths. Current trends in Women's Studies has been largely shaped by institutional constraints and the accommodations toward institutional survival has limited interdisciplinary exchanges to multi-disciplinary discussions. Consequently, the transformation of the academic structure has been replaced by reproducing a women's studies space in the same academic structure. I argue that Women's Studies is part of a larger intellectual movement involving critical interdisciplinary projects, and that paths toward disciplinarity may have significant consequences in their ability to contribute. The intellectual rigor in feminist research is largely due to a vibrant exchange with cultural studies, ethnic studies, gender studies, and queer studies. However, graduate work in Women's Studies has barely begun tapping the political and social transformations possible by linking to the professional schools.