Women’s and Gender Studies (WGS) is an important subject that helps us understand how gender shapes society, culture, and everyday life. This page gives you simple notes, previous year papers (PYQs), and quick revision material to make exam preparation easier and more meaningful.
What is Women’s and Gender Studies?
Women’s and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field that looks at the experiences, challenges, and contributions of women, along with how gender influences identity, behaviour, and power structures in society. It studies topics such as equality, feminism, social norms, and how gender roles are created and maintained.
Through WGS, students learn about:
Gender inequality and stereotypes
Patriarchy and power dynamics
Women’s rights and feminist movements
Representation in media and culture
Intersectionality of caste, class, race, and gender
Why PYQs Are Important for WGS
- Many questions are concept-based and tend to repeat.
- Essay-type answers usually follow a predictable pattern.
- PYQs highlight the most important themes like patriarchy, feminism, and gender roles.
- Help in understanding the structure of exam questions.
- Save time by focusing only on essential topics.
WGS is closely connected with real-life issues such as gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, social justice, and media portrayal of women. These themes appear frequently in exams and PYQs.
Quick Revision Notes
Key WGS Terminology
- Gender: Social and cultural expectations, not biological.
- Patriarchy: A system where men hold more power and privilege.
- Feminism: A movement demanding equality for all genders.
- Intersectionality: When multiple identities (gender, caste, class) overlap and create unique experiences.
- Sexuality: A person’s emotional or sexual attraction.
- Gender Roles: Expected behaviours for men and women in society.
Extra Definitions
- Gender Socialization → Learning gender roles from family and society.
- Glass Ceiling → Invisible barriers stopping women from reaching top positions.
- Empowerment → Increasing access to rights, opportunities, and freedom.
- Queer Theory → Study of identities, gender expressions, and sexuality beyond traditional norms.
- Reproductive Rights → Rights related to pregnancy, family planning, and healthcare.
Concept Zone
Real-World Applications of WGS
Women’s and Gender Studies is not just an academic subject — it helps us understand and solve real issues. It provides tools to question inequality, challenge stereotypes, and promote fairness in society.
In workplaces, WGS concepts guide safe and inclusive environments through policies on harassment, equal pay, and diversity. Media professionals use gender awareness to create better representation of women in films, news, and advertisements.
Healthcare workers apply gender-sensitive approaches to improve women’s health, maternal care, and access to medical services. NGOs and social workers also use WGS frameworks to support survivors of violence, provide legal help, and run empowerment campaigns.
Overall, WGS helps build a society where everyone has equal opportunities, rights, and dignity.
Career Opportunities After Studying WGS
A background in Women’s and Gender Studies opens up many meaningful career paths. You can work in social development, human rights, education, NGOs, public policy, or community health.
Popular roles include Gender Equality Officer, Social Worker, NGO Project Coordinator, Human Rights Advocate, and Diversity & Inclusion Specialist. You can also work in media, counselling, law, public health, or become a researcher or lecturer.
If you are passionate about social justice and equality, WGS provides a powerful academic foundation.
Download AKTU Women’s & Gender Studies PYQs PDF – KNC602
Short Questions (One-Line Q&A)
What is the difference between sex and gender?
Sex is biological, while gender is socially created.
What is patriarchy?
A system where men hold more authority and advantages.
Define feminism.
A movement that fights for equal rights for all genders.
What is gender socialization?
The process of learning gender norms from family, school, and society.
What is intersectionality?
A concept explaining how multiple identities shape experiences.
What is the glass ceiling?
An invisible barrier that prevents women from reaching top positions.