10 July 2025

Australian Women’s and Gender Studies Association: Statement in support of sociology at Macquarie University

To Whom it May Concern:

Re: Opposition to Proposed Elimination of Sociology Discipline at Macquarie University

The Australian Women’s and Gender Studies Association (AWGSA) writes to express our strong opposition to the proposed elimination of the Sociology discipline at Macquarie University, as outlined in the change proposal presented to the Faculty of Arts on 3 June 2025.

As Australia’s national peak body representing women’s and gender studies scholars across the country, AWGSA is deeply troubled about the far-reaching implications of this decision. Our membership comprises multidisciplinary scholars who work across sociology, gender studies, politics, anthropology, history, and related fields. The proposed cuts to Sociology—which could see 11 of 14 academic staff made redundant—directly affect many of our members and fundamentally undermine the intellectual ecosystem that supports critical social research in Australia.

AWGSA members are deeply conscious that in a global context where right-wing authoritarian politics, escalating online hate, and gender-based violence is surging, the role of sociology is more critical than ever. AWGSA members are acutely aware of the vital interconnections between sociology and gender studies. Sociology provides essential theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and empirical foundations that are fundamental to gender studies scholarship. The discipline’s focus on social structures, power relations, inequality, and social change forms the backbone of much contemporary feminist and gender analysis.

The proposed elimination of Sociology at Macquarie, alongside the terminating of the Gender Studies major, represents a disturbing setback to interdisciplinary scholarship. Our members regularly draw upon sociological theories of intersectionality, social stratification, family structures, and institutional analysis in their research and teaching. Without a strong sociology program, the intellectual foundation for critical gender analysis is severely compromised.

Many of our current and future members have benefited from sociology training as part of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The interdisciplinary nature of gender studies scholarship requires students to engage with sociological concepts, methods, and perspectives.

As a national association, AWGSA is concerned about the broader implications of eliminating sociology, politics, and gender studies alongside other disciplines at a major Australian university. This decision sends a troubling message about Australia’s commitment to critical social research at a time when such research is more urgently needed than ever.

AWGSA respectfully urges Macquarie University leadership to:

1. Reverse the decision to eliminate the Sociology discipline and the proposed redundancies of 11 academic staff members
2. Maintain the Gender Studies major and recognise its interconnection with sociological scholarship
3. Consult meaningfully with peak bodies like AWGSA and other professional associations before making decisions that affect entire disciplines and related disciplines
4. Recognise the strategic importance of maintaining strong humanities and social science programs for the university’s national and international standing.

AWGSA stands ready to work with Macquarie University to explore alternative approaches that preserve these essential disciplines while addressing any financial or strategic concerns. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further.

Yours faithfully,

The 2024-2026 AWGSA Executive

Contact: President Dr Sarah Casey scasey3@usc.edu.au or awgsa.submissions@gmail.com

CALL TO ACTION

AWGSA urges its members to do the following

1. Sign the petition
2. Write directly to the following university leaders and politicians to express concern:

University leadership at MQU:

Prof B Dowton, VC

 vc@mq.edu.au

Dr Martin Parkinson, Chancellor

martin.parkinson@mq.edu.au

Professor Chris Dixon – Dean, Faculty of Arts

ExecDean@mq.edu.au

Professor Rorden Wilkinson – Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic:

dvca@mq.edu.au

Professor Sakkie Pretorius, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research

dvc_research@mq.edu.au

Members of the University Council

councilsecretary@mq.edu.au

Chair of the Academic Senate

chair.senate@mq.edu.au

Politicians:

Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education

minister.clare@education.gov.au

Senator Tony Sheldon

Chair of Education and Employment Legislation Committee

senator.sheldon@aph.gov.au

Senator Mehreen Faruqi

senator.faruqi@aph.gov.au

Jermoe Laxale, MP for Bennelong

Jerome.Laxale.MP@aph.gov.au

Steve Whan

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

monaro@parliament.nsw.gov.au