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For five decades CSWS has funded feminist scholarship at the University of Oregon. Our mission is simple: we create, fund, share, and support research that addresses the complicated nature of gender identities and inequalities.

Anita Hill
WATCH: Reflections on Anita Hill's 2024 Lorwin Lecture
Feminist Futures event
WATCH: Feminist Futures, an evening of song and dance by SOMD faculty
JSMA Feminist Futures exhibit
WATCH: Feminist Futures at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Tina Brown
WATCH: Reflections on Tina Brown, 2024 Johnston Lecture

Create

Our faculty and student affiliates generate wide-ranging research on the complexity of women’s lives and the intersecting nature of gender identities and inequalities. Discover what we are working on.

Fund

For five decades, we have funded feminist scholarship at the University of Oregon. Read about our present opportunities and past awards

Share

As a research center, we disseminate new knowledge on the complicated nature of gender identities and inequalities with other scholars and educators, the public, policymakers, and activists. Keep in touch with the latest news, publications, and media.

Support

Through event programming and special initiatives, we foster networking, collaboration, and mentorship within our vibrant community of feminist scholars.  Learn more about how to get involved.

Upcoming Events

News

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New CSWS fellowship offers a course release for research on gender

For AY 2026-27, the Center for the Study of Women in Society (CSWS) is launching a new research fellowship that provides University of Oregon faculty with one course release for a term of reduced or no teaching to pursue work on any aspect of the study of women and/or gender.

Karen Guillemin (left) is a biology professor who studies the microbial communities that make up each and every organism.

Guillemin named as 'Emerging Inventor'

From Oregon News — CSWS affiliate Karen Guillemin, Biology, has been named to the National Academy of Inventors, a designation that recognizes visionaries and innovators whose technologies brought, or aspire to bring, a real impact on society.

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CSWS announces 2025-26 Research Interest Groups

CSWS is awarding grant support to four new and three renewing Research Interest Groups (RIGs) spanning the social sciences, humanities, law, and education for the 2025-26 academic year.

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Videos

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Gender as Target: US 2024 Elections and Aftermath
CSWS Alumni Testimonials | Barbara Pope
CSWS Alumni Testimonials | Barbara Sutton

History of CSWS

For 50 years CSWS has funded feminist scholarship at the University of Oregon. Our mission is simple: we create, fund, and share research that addresses the complicated nature of gender identities and inequalities.

Our ability to do this resulted from an incredible act of generosity. In 1983, the hard work and vision of faculty members working in what was then called the Center for the Sociological Study of Women attracted the attention of Fortune magazine editor William Harris. His endowment, the largest single gift ever given to the university at that time, was given in memory of his wife, Jane Grant, an early feminist and co-founder of The New Yorker.

historical photo, group shot
Learn more about history of CSWS