Hello,
I am still trying to decide on a topic for my PhD research. I really want to get a proposal done SOON :-s but think I am putting too much pressure on myself and over-thinking it.
Anyway, I did my Undergrad and MA in Women's Studies and just wondered if there were any fellow WS researchers involved in this forum :-)

Hi Emma, I think I've spoken to you before about this and said I'm in the same sort of position with trying to come up with a proposal etc - its so difficult, I've never had to forward-plan to such an extent before and its quite scary to think of what a three-year research project will involve.
I haven't studied Women's Studies before but it does look interesting - what did you focus your attention on when you did your UG and MA degrees? I did a joint honours in Applied Psychology and Sociology, now doing MSc Psychosocial studies and want to do my PhD on 'something' which links psychoanalytic social theory with feminist arguments....so possibly similar to what you want to study. Nx

Hi Emma,

I am in a similar position and I so understand this feeling of self pressure. I just handed in my MA dissertation on a film and women's studies related subject and immediately I found myself lost in planning a substantial PhD proposal. I will do my PhD in Film Studies but again in a related field with Women's Studies.
I do recommend Harvard University's wonderful guide to research on Women's Studies. It is just amazing how thoroughly it explains every step with so fine details.
Here's the link:
http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic649702.files/Women.pdf

Best of luck!

I am doing a PhD in WS (well, sociology + feminism). My research question seems very easy and strainghtforward, BUT it is not!!!!!
I came up with the research question when I started working at a school. The situation that I am researching was (and still is) all around me, so it was not difficult to wonder why.
Maybe you should look at something that is around you and seems "normal" and start question it.

great replies - thanks :) and it's so nice to hear from other WS (or similiar) students.
I focused my MA diss on alternative pornography, cyberspace and alter ego's - which I really enjoyed, got completely obsessed with and because of this got a great mark. Therefore, I think I should continue with the cyberspace/alter ego theme - I *think* I have decided on something (ha ha)... but am likely to change my mind in about an hour!!
Thanks again for your replies - keep in touch (up)