Elayne Clift: Why gender studies matter

Editor’s note: This commentary is by Elayne Clift, who writes about women, culture and social issues from Saxtons River.
For many years, I taught gender studies in the U.S. and abroad. I saw minds open, career aspirations change, female students validated and empowered, and male students, newly enlightened, passionate about equal rights. I was just one teacher afforded this vital social change opportunity but I can attest to its impact.
There is another meaning to the term “gender st