ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors explore questions surrounding whether and how women’s centers can unite across differences. The messy terrain of identity politics that these centers must navigate is not new, but in an era where women comprise the majority in so many categories – particularly in their attendance rates at institutions of higher education – many question the utility and relevance of women’s centers. Many of these centers have changed their names to be inclusive of gender and sexuality, but such decisions are fraught with debate surrounding the need to retain women-identified programs and services. Drawing upon critical, feminist, and intersectional theories, this chapter delves into these questions and advances four ideals for women’s centers grappling with role, relevance, and identity in an age of inequity.
