LibGuides: Women's & Gender Studies: Background Information

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Background Information

Find Background Information

Search Seneca Libraries to get an overview and learn more about your research topic. Watch a refresher on how to use Library Search.

Background Information

The following databases provide overviews on women's and gender studies topics. Browse the databases for general information and to get a better understanding of your research topic.

Canada in Context This link opens in a new window
(Gale) Provides access to Canadian content including biographies, news, essays and podcasts.
Details and Terms of Use
Canadian Encyclopedia Online This link opens in a new window
(Historica) Provides access to information about Canadian personalities, places, events, history and achievements.
Details and Terms of Use
Canadian Points of View This link opens in a new window
(EBSCO) Provides access to essays with differing points of view on current issues. Essays include an overview, arguments, counter arguments and a guide to Critical Thinking.
Details and Terms of Use
Gender Studies Collection This link opens in a new window
(Gale) Provides access to research and writings on gender studies, family and marital issues, and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) life.
Details and Terms of Use
Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new window
(Gale) Provides access to a comprehensive resource offering differing points of view on current social issues with pro and con articles, topic overviews and biographies of social activists.
Details and Terms of Use

Encyclopedias & Dictionaries

Here's a selection of encyclopedias and dictionaries which provide information on women's and gender studies concepts and terms.

Britannica Academic This link opens in a new window
(Encyclopaedia Britannica) Online access to the Encyclopaedia Britannica as well as Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, a world atlas, a world factbook of statistics, and a country comparator.
Details and Terms of Use
Canadian Encyclopedia Online This link opens in a new window
(Historica) Provides access to information about Canadian personalities, places, events, history and achievements.
Details and Terms of Use

Data and Statistics

Here is a selection of resources for data and statistics on women's and gender studies topics:

Data and Statistics Guide (Seneca Libraries)
This library guide provides you with an overview on how to get started with data. The contents have been organised into several tabs to provide you with access to key areas.
Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Statistics Hub (Statistics Canada)
Brings together Statistics Canada's products related to gender, diversity and inclusion in Canada, as well as information on gender statistics in the international context.
Gender Statistics (World Bank)
Gender Statistics (United Nations)
Our World in Data
A scientific online publication that focuses on large global problems such as poverty, disease, hunger, climate change, war, existential risks, and inequality.

Statista This link opens in a new window
(Statista, Inc.) Statistical data and analysis of business, industry, product brands, market share, media, and social scientific topics, obtained from both private and public sector sources, and covering all regions of the world.
Details and Terms of Use

Women Count Hub (United Nations)
Includes data on gender specific Sustainable Development Goals

Starting Your Research

The following resources provide information on how to get started with researching your topic, such as the research process and conducting background research.