Gender Studies in Warsaw

Abstract

Gender studies has been developing in Poland since 1995. This new course of studies was established at the University of Warsaw. The decision to found a program by the University of Warsaw Senate meant that gender studies would be incorporated administratively but not financially into the university structure as part of the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Rehabilitation. Problematically, this means that gender studies can only survive through outside financial support, and it should be stressed that the only sources of funding available are from the West. In general, because women students are not members of the wealthier social classes, we decided to charge students the lowest possible fee (about 100 Euro). At the University of Jagiellon in Krakow, students enrolled in gender studies this year will most likely be charged a much higher fee (about 450 Euro); however, there is concern that the continuance of the program may be at risk as a result of low enrolment.