Gender and Women’s studies have an interdisciplinary character and deal with critical methodologies, theories of culture, transmission of knowledge, as well as textual re-readings from scientific and didactic perspectives, regarding either "classical" and "popular" culture.
They have mostly developed since 1970’s in the Anglo-Saxon countries, but easily expanded in many areas of the world, building an important space within contemporary culture and operating both in the academic environment and in civil society. The University of Bologna long-lasting and renowned research and teaching activity in this field has created a new space that intends to be a reference point for those who may need information, suggestions and didactic advice on gender and women’s studies, in order to be of help for study plans and research orientation.
Gender studies centres and programmes are present in several university departments all over the world.