About the Legitimation of Gender Studies in the ANPEd

Abstract

The trajectory of gender studies in Brazil is pervaded by struggles aimed at reaching visibility in order to legitimize gender studies in the scientific field. Several female authors affirm that this process was carried out through research groups at several institutions, particularly since the 1970’s. Based on this idea, the present work aims to examine how gender studies have been included in the sphere of the National Association of Post-Graduation and Research in Education (ANPEd) by using findings of a state of the art on the subject. The work pursues to answer two questions. The first refers to the status of the process of constitution of the gender studies field in the ANPEd, with focus on the period from 2000 to 2011: are there signs of legitimation? The second question concerns the forces sustaining this field: are there research groups with a frequent, prominent work in the sphere of the ANPEd so as to ensure its development and multiplication of studies? In order to problematize this question, the analyzed period covers from 2007 to 2011. Results indicate a process of expansion of visibility – although we still cannot talk about total legitimation –, ensured by struggles carried out particularly by research groups that are members of the GT23 (Gender, Sexuality and Education).