SCARCITY OF RESOURCES OR OF RECOGNITION - A LOOK AT WOMENS STUDIES INFRANCE

Although resources are admittedly scarce for women's studies in France , should feminists accept this as the most salient characterization of the field? This paper argues that far more significant is the gap bet ween existing feminist scholarship and institutional recognition. Inde ed, despite adverse conditions, French feminist production is rich and varied (as shown by the some 70 classes taught in our universities). Negating this wealth allows outsiders to speak in our name and newcome rs to divert what few resources do become available, as demonstrated b y the French government's naming three men to the four-member scientif ic committee preparing the 1995 United Nations International Women's C onference.