Event to examine contemporary feminism in the U.S.

Themes of contemporary feminism in the United States will be the focus of a presentation by Jo Reger, director of the Women and Gender Studies Program at Oakland University. The event will take place Monday, March 23, from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2204.

Reger’s presentation will be based on her 2012 book, “Everywhere and Nowhere: Contemporary Feminism in the United States.”

“Reger will discuss the fascinating paradox that she uncovered in her study — that feminist ideals are deeply embedded in our culture, but at the same time, we often think that feminism is dead,” said Laurel Westbrook, professor of sociology at Grand Valley.

Through an investigation of three feminist communities, Reger shows the reactions of contemporary feminists toward the local environment currently shaping their identities, tactics, discourse and relations with other feminist generations. Through her work, Reger explains how feminism is simultaneously absent from the national, popular culture, and yet also ingrained in the foundations of American culture.

Reger’s presentation will give students, faculty, staff and the general public the opportunity to hear about her work and participate in a Q&A session.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Department of Sociology at (616) 331-3129.