Grand Valley State University’s Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGS) hosted a feminism discussion on Thursday, Oct. 24 that examined the current cultural and political backlash facing feminists, and brought attention to the key issues of women voters.
The discussion was part of “Feminism In The Backlash,” a monthly series hosted by the WGS Department, and was funded partially from a $100,000 grant the WGS Department received from the Mellon Foundation.
Karen Zivi and Laura Schnider, both political science professors at GVSU, led the discussion, which spotlighted gender-related language during the election season.
“I think that with (Vice President Kamala Harris) and with the election in two weeks, talking about the role of feminism or backlash to feminism within the political context (is) important,” Schnider said.
Zivi agreed, stating there are many issues at stake in this election that pertain to women’s rights.
“I think we need to name it (women’s rights), and talk about how we got here and how we can respond so we can build a better future,” Zivi said.
The discussion series is based on the book “In Backlash: The Undeclared War on Women,” written by Susan Faludi in 1991. Faludi’s theory maintains that backlashes against feminism can be structured to maintain, retain or enhance power. Julia Mason, the director of the WGS Department said the discussion followed how Faludi’s work is still relevant today.
“Part of what we are looking at is what parts (of the book) still make sense in 2024,” Mason said. “Each one of these monthly events will be a slightly different focus.”
Faculty, students and community members examined Faludi’s book in the context of what backlash means today. Attendees of the event analyzed backlash through the lenses of media, pop culture, politics and academia.
“I thought it was a robust discussion covering a wide variety of topics,” said Schnider. “It was interesting and fun, and (echoed) that intergenerational component of what we, from students to senior faculty members, have (been) talking about issues, and that’s great.”
Closing out the event, discourse focused on what students can do in order to make change. Both Zivi and Schnider stressed the importance of participating in elections and “doing your homework” about political candidates. Schnider said she wants students to be empowered with the information to make informed decisions.
“This might be the first time you’ve (students) really have been able to express your political thought freely, and so understanding how to do that, why it’s important within the context of where we are today and the potential outcomes of this election for women, equality and democracy (is essential),” Schnider said.
Mason said student perspective makes the most difference in discussion events like the Backlash series.
“I thought it went really well,” Masons said. “I love hearing from students. I think (they) bring a perspective to the conversation that’s so important.”
The Mellon Foundation’s grant will also allow for other new opportunities within GVSU’s WGS Department. Recently, the money funded a retreat for WGS regional faculty from GVSU, Calvin University, Central Michigan and Grand Rapids Community College. It will also fund a trip for nearly 30 students to attend the National Women’s Studies Association Conference in Detroit in November.
The Feminism In The Backlash Series will continue next month with a different speaker on Nov. 20.
“We don’t get a chance to sit around and talk about a common, deeply serious issue often, and to do it with students, it’s fantastic,” Zivi said.
