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Synopsis Women's/Gender Studies remains a vibrant subject within UK universities. This article outlines the major current concerns whilst at the same time tracing links between the subject and other social and political changes in Britain.

This paper challenges the shift away from Women's Studies to Gender Studies. The author argues that this shift allows the study of difference between the sexes to replace that of the study of sexual inequality and the social subordination of women.

The teaching of Women's Studies is beset with difficulties as much as rewards: in this brief article some reflections are offered on the experience of being a teacher on a Women's Studies course. It is suggested that teaching Women's Studies often differs from teaching more conventional disciplines, but that this offers a chance for academic innovation.

Jane Austen has often been regarded as a conservative novelist: in this paper I argue that contrary to this view Austen is a radical writer, one who challenges orthodox patriarchal expectations about women and asserts their right to autonomy and independence.