Frauen

Frauen is the German word for women, referring to adult human females. In sociology and gender studies, the term designates the gender group that encompasses diverse identities, experiences, and roles. The word is the plural form of Frau, the singular, and appears in everyday language as well as academic and policy contexts.

Globally, women account for roughly half of the population, with numbers varying by country. Life expectancy for women is often higher than that for men, and women have increasingly pursued education and paid work. Over the past two centuries, many societies expanded access to schooling, vocational training, and political participation for women, leading to broad social and economic changes.

Rights and representation have progressed unevenly. In many countries, women gained voting rights and equal legal protections during the 20th century, and legislation has addressed discrimination, reproductive rights, and family leave. Despite progress, disparities remain in areas such as pay, leadership representation, and prevention of gender-based violence. Policies aimed at equality and empowerment continue to vary by region and culture.

In German-speaking regions—Germany, Austria, Switzerland—Frauen have contributed across science, education, business, culture, and public life. Ongoing debates focus on work–life balance, childcare policy, education, and cultural expectations, as well as efforts to increase female representation in politics and senior management.

Scholars study Frauen to understand gender as a social category, its construction over time, and its intersections with race, class, sexuality, and nationality, highlighting the diverse experiences of women in different cultures and historical periods.