Infection Point Keynote Abstract:  Why do we need an inflection point?  Women and reality behind the myth that we are “having it all”

Jenifer L. Bratter, Department of Sociology, Rice University

Why do we need an inflection point?  In today’s world, the status of women is characterized by both great success and expanding vulnerability. We battle the conflicting social messages that we may “have it all” while leaving unclear what “all” actually means. While opportunities are ever- present, women can often be left to feel isolated and disconnected. My talk focuses on how breaking down this disconnection can be achieved through understanding our shared circumstances.  First, I will summarize key issues facing women today. While we are expanding our presence in the worlds of politics, business, and higher-education and remaking our world through initiating and leading transformative social movements, our lives are marked with vulnerability. Women, particularly those who head families, continue to be at the highest risk of poverty, experience persisting wage and occupation gaps, and face dwindling access and availability of quality health. Second, I will discuss the personal impact of this uneven social landscape. I will underscore some of the mental and physical health concerns facing women. A key pattern in trends are women’s enduring ability to connect, which stems many of these tides. In the final section, I will explore this in-depth by focusing on the ways our circumstances are fundamentally “shared” and how building connections can help expand the possibilities for success for ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

Jennifer L. Bratter is just one of our highly charged and passionate speakers who will aid you at our upcoming Women’s Inflection Point Staycation Occurrence.  Click the link below to register for this occurrence.

Register:  www.womeninflectionpoint.org/events

See you there,

Renee