Contemporary Gender Roles SIG



This OLLI Contemporary Gender Roles Shared Interest Group was started by Deborah Caine to study and explore cultural changes in the roles of men and women in the family and in the workplace and the multiple changes in gender presentation and identity exemplified in the growth of the LGBTQ+ communities; changes not always easily understood by many.

The group has grown over the last several years from three members to two dozen people who enjoy the lively monthly discussions on topics of urgent and current interest.

Members volunteer to lead a discussion on a topic of their choice and/or invite an outside speaker and circulate articles from major newspapers, magazines and journals that are relevant to group interests.  

The Contemporary Gender Roles group sponsored an OLLI course on the Equal Rights Amendment in 2018 which was well attended.

We meet on Zoom at 2 pm on the third Wednesday of the month. 

For more information about this SIG, please contact Ellen Croibier.


Topics for 2024 Contemporary Gender Roles SIG

  1. Helen Hailes: "Gaslighting in Intimate Partner Violence", January 17
  2. Leyn Burrows on self defense for women vs. men on February 21
  3. Michael Wilcox: Topic TBD on March 20
  4. Janis Broderick, ED of the EFC and staff, to present to the Gender SIG and Diversity Committee, April 17
  5. Chris Canning Wilson on the role of women in the Middle East on May 15
  6. Mal Wasserman with book review: Undaunted and/or The Exceptions, June 19
  7. Farrah Cukor, literary rep at United Talent Agency, July 17.

  8. Linda Baxter will give a talk on midwifery August 21

  9. Mary Hunt, PhD on feminist theology September 18

  10. Chief Deanna Strout on women in criminal justice October 16

  11. Farah Cherif D’Ouezzan on women in Morocco November 20.

  12. December 18 TBD.



Sign up for our free email newsletter, and don't miss out on our great programs!
Support OLLI at Berkshire Community College and lifelong learning!

OLLI: the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College
Partners in education with Williams College, Bard College at Simon's Rock and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

1350 West Street | Pittsfield, MA 01201 | 413.236.2190 | olli@berkshirecc.edu

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software