Prof speaks on women, policy

In honor of the so-called "Year of the Woman," a social work professor discussed women and social policy before an audience of 60 yesterday in Houston Hall. The presentation by Mimi Abramovitz, a professor at the Hunter College School of Social Work, highlighted her belief that women are not solely responsible for many of society's problems. Abramovitz, a former social worker and the author of Regulating the Lives of Women, said that mothers are often blamed for causing their children's problems, including behavioral defects and the intergenerational transmission of social problems. These factors, in turn, cause social problems, she said. She began her lecture by citing examples from the Bible and continued to trace social history to contemporary times. Abramovitz drew parallels between 19th century subjugation of women and today. Abramovitz explored various social theories that contributed to the shaping of current social policy. She questioned what social reforms will occur during the Clinton administration. She also urged liberals to actively voice their support for low-income and working-class women. She documented the history of misogyny with respect to social policy and theory, telling the audience that her documentation should serve as a basis upon which to act. "My ideas aren't mainstream enough to have an immediate impact on social policy," she said, adding that she is not satisfied with the entire social system. Abramovitz serves on the editorial board of several journals including AFFILIA:The Journal Women and Social Work and is currently researching welfare state activism by low-income and working class women. The Social Work students and faculty in the audience, many of whom had read her book, said they appreciated the lecture. "I get really excited and I get frustrated because there is no clear channel to put my energy to," Sociology graduate student Jaqueline Hart said. Abramovitz' speech coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Womens' Studies Program and the University's Women's Center.