What can experiences of misogyny and classism teach us about the forces of patriarchy and inequality within the university?

Drawing from her own experiences in American universities, author Kaelie Giffel contributes a critique of the university’s role in producing inequality. Exploring the intersections of gender, labor, and class, University for a Good Woman follows Kaelie through experiences of harassment, overwork, struggles against voicelessness, union organizing, and navigating silent, classed expectations about professionalism and research. Kaelie argues that feminists can and should engage in remaking the university, analyzing places for intervention and transformation.

Providing an important critique of the university and its “post-feminist” narrative, this book is ideal reading for students of Feminism, Gender Studies, Critical University Studies, Education Studies, and Sociology, as well as graduate mentors, university administrators, and DEIB offices.

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Abstract
• Acknowledgments
• Table of Contents
• Learning objectives
• Preface
• 1 Class, unions, and contesting the status quo
  • Defining class and education
  • My class story
  • Organizing for power
  • Organizing within departments: The demand letter
  • International context and conclusion
  • Discussion questions
  • Recommended further reading
• 2 Misogyny, sexism, and knowledge production
  • Defining sexism and misogyny
  • The consequences of misogyny
  • Feminist education: Harassment prevention
  • Misogyny abroad and conclusion
  • Discussion questions
  • Recommended reading
• 3 Burnout, class, and academic labor
  • Defining burnout and labor
  • Class and our work ethics
  • Healing from burnout
  • International conversations about burnout and conclusion
  • Discussion questions
  • Recommended reading
• 4 Finding my voice and thinking with others
  • Searching for a voice: The dangers
  • Finding my voice
  • The pleasures and politics of finding a voice
  • International and historical alternatives
  • Discussion questions
  • Recommended reading
• Conclusion: Transforming the university and education
  • Power analysis exercise
  • Example power analysis
• References
• Index

Kaelie Giffel PhD is a sexual violence prevention educator and writer currently living in Montana.