Setting the Scene

Abstract

In the current vocational and economic climate in which learning operates, women’s studies has both forced its way onto the curriculum and in turn been partially forced out again. I argue here that women’s studies in Britain has always been part of the lifelong learning and continuing education agenda and that, with the current emphasis on learning and teaching in higher education, women’s studies is well placed to be at the forefront of progressive education and innovative pedagogic practice. Women’s studies in Britain is part of the lifelong learning agenda and has been radical since its outset and throughout its development, although it might be that such radicalism will mean that women’s studies will (be) move(d) out of and away from the British academy. The history of women’s studies in many ways exemplifies lifelong learning, although its history has not always been a happy one, particularly academic women’s studies.