Feminist Literary Criticism and Women’s Studies: A Historical Perspective in U.S. Higher Education

Abstract

This paper examines the interconnected evolution of feminist literary criticism and women’s studies within American higher education. It argues that feminist theory has significantly reshaped literary discourse and academic structures and continues to be vital in addressing persistent gender inequalities. The research is structured in three main parts: First, the introduction provides a theoretical and historical overview of feminism, highlighting its role in literary studies and social reform. Second, the paper traces the historical development of feminist thought across its three waves—first-wave, second-wave, and third-wave feminism—focusing on key figures such as Mary Wollstonecraft, Margaret Fuller, Elaine Showalter, Sandra Gilbert, and Susan Gubar. It analyzes major literary texts and the methodological shifts in feminist criticism, from psychoanalytic and Marxist approaches to post-structuralist and postmodern perspectives.Third, the study explores the birth and institutional growth of women’s studies in American universities, addressing its integration into curricula, contributions to interdisciplinary scholarship, and its contemporary challenges, including post-feminist critiques and institutional backlash.The conclusion affirms the enduring relevance of both feminist literary criticism and women’s studies in reshaping knowledge production, promoting inclusive education, and fostering gender equity in higher education and beyond.

Keywords

• Feminist literary criticism
• women’s studies
• U.S
• higher education