The Society for the Study of American Women Writers was established to promote the study of American women writers through research, teaching, and publication. It is the goal of the Society to strengthen relations among persons and institutions in this country and internationally who are devoted to such studies, and to broaden knowledge among the general public about American women writers.

The Society is committed to diversity in the study of American women writers -- racial, ethnic, gender, class, sexual orientation, region, and era -- as well as of scholars participating in the Society.