How would we change public policy if women really mattered? Despite a long history of feminist interventions into public policy, this remains a crucial but seldom asked question by those who propose public policy. Women’s lives remain largely invisible in the professional schools, institutes and think tanks that address public policy issues. By naming and reframing gender as central to public policy, members of this research cluster allow the public to debate new issues, to create new public policies and ultimately to change laws. Members of the cluster investigate how health care, child care, precarious employment, housing, and unpaid housework can be reframed as issues that have a major impact on the lives of women.
Since September 2008 about 25 York faculty and PhD students have been meeting monthly to discuss works in progress and to review current public policy issues. Members of this research cluster come from sociology, women’s studies, law, equity studies, political science, education and environmental studies. This research cluster has launched a number of conferences, research projects and publications.
For more information, please contact Meg Luxton mluxton@yorku.ca
Outcomes
Feminist Claims for Equality and Justice: 1970 to 2020 and Beyond edited by Barbara Cameron and Meg Luxton (UBC, forthcoming)