Abstract
Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field spanning higher education institutions globally. Yet the experiences of scholars within specific regional contexts remain understudied. This study examines the lived personal and pedagogical experiences of gender studies and gender communication scholars in the Midwest. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences, perceived pressures, and responses to the current political and academic climate. Interview questions focused on the challenges scholars face as well as the communicative practices they adopt in response to shifting attitudes toward gender studies. This research seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of how scholars navigate evolving expectations and policies within higher education and the broader sociopolitical landscape. Using Croucher & Cronn Mills (2025) definition of inductive coding, three themes emerged from analysis of transcripts. These three themes include Pedagogical Commitment to Transformation, Regional Influence on Curriculum, and Varying Levels of Student Engagement.
First Page
20
Last Page
33
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Faber, M.
(2026).
"From an activist spirit and history": An examination of Midwest professors who teach gender studies in the current political climate.
Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal, 49(2), 20-33.
https://doi.org/10.56816/2471-0032.1193