SWS Council and Committee Co-Chairs, 2025 Leadership Retreat in Santa Cruz, CA.
A Reciprocal Partnership
Join our community of scholars and professionals today! As a member, you will gain stronger professional development, greater visibility and impact for feminist scholarship, and expanded networks with tailored support across career stages, from early stage to retirement. We value sociologists within academia, education, nonprofits and in other applied settings.
At SWS, we believe in a reciprocal relationship with our members. We are committed to providing you with resources and a supportive community, and also encourage members to take an active role in shaping the future of our organization. Here’s how members can get involved:
- Sharing your expertise: SWS values the diverse experiences, skills, and roles that each member brings to the organization. Whether it’s through volunteering, mentoring, or participating in discussions, your contributions help strengthen our community.
- Giving back: From running for an elected leadership position to providing feedback to supporting members at various stages of their career, your involvement ensures that SWS remains a positive and supportive community. We encourage you to look for opportunities where your strengths and interests can make an impact, both for your personal development and for the benefit of our wider community.
- Engaging in events: SWS’s success depends on the engagement of our members. By attending events, joining committees, and participating in initiatives, you directly contribute to the vibrancy of our organization.
Member Benefits
Professional Networking and Connection
- Attend the annual Winter Conference, an yearly gathering with an opportunity to present their research, receive feedback on your work, and to network and obtain career advice.
- Participate in Mentoring Groups and SWS Circles to meet, network, and collaborate with members who share your interests or experiences.
- Post on the SWS Listserv, an invaluable resource for members to share job opportunities, calls for papers, and professional resources.
Exclusive Member Discounts and Perks
- Access to Gender & Society, a top ranked journal in sociology and women’s studies.
- Eligible for SWS Awards,which honor and celebrate the work of feminist sociologists from students to other professionals.
- Post on the Career Board at no cost.
- Invite the SWS Global Feminist Partner to your campus or workplace.
- Discounted conference registration rates.
- Discounted gift membership rate for new members.
- Promote your published work with support from SWS.
- Access to a weekly digest of gender-related news to your email inbox!
Membership Impact
- Engage the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women to represent SWS at the global stage as a delegate and present on gender-based research.
- Vote in SWS Elections to shape the future of the Association.
- Contribute to SWS resources by sharing your knowledge and expertise with the public.
Professional Development at Every Stage of Your Career
- Access to career feedback programs to get advice on CV/job market materials and help with general job search related questions.
- Engage in leadership enrichment opportunities by serving in a leadership position and participating in SWS-exclusive workshops.
Membership Categories and Dues
SWS membership is based on a calendar year.
If you join or renew after October 1, your membership will extend through the end of the following calendar year.
For example, anyone who joins SWS between October 1 and December 31, 2026 will be an active member through December 31, 2027.
Individual Membership Dues
SWS uses a sliding-scale dues structure based on annual income.
| Annual Income | Annual Membership Dues |
|---|---|
| $200,000+ | $250 |
| $125,000–$199,999 | $200 |
| $100,000–$124,999 | $175 |
| $80,000–$99,999 | $150 |
| $60,000–$79,999 | $125 |
| Up to $59,999 | $75 |
Student, Unemployed, and Retired Members
Student / Unemployed / Retired: $50 per year
Lifetime Membership
Lifetime Membership: $2,500 one-time payment
No annual dues are required after a Lifetime Membership is purchased.
Gift Memberships
You can also welcome someone new into SWS by purchasing a gift membership.
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Gift Membership for a Student — $50
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Gift Membership for a Professional — $75
Gift memberships are intended for new SWS members.
Joining Late in the Calendar Year
SWS membership follows the calendar year, but we do not want people who join late in the year to receive only a few months of membership.
For that reason, memberships beginning after October 1 are extended through December 31 of the following calendar year.
If you join between October 1 and December 31, 2026, for example, your membership will remain active through December 31, 2027.
If you are interested in purchasing a multi-year membership, email contact@socwomen.org.
*Voted on by Membership in 2026