Women and Politicsexamines the pursuit of gender equality from two viewpoints: the legal equality doctrine, which emphasizes gender neutrality, and the fairness doctrine, which recognizes differences between men and women. In-depth analysis and clear presentation of theory and history helps students to think critically about gender and about the challenges faced by women in the past and present. Extensive coverage of diversity among women and consistent attention to the intersections of race, class, and gender are integral to the text's main theme. New!Updated content includes current statistics on women candidates and office holders; new research findings; recent policy changes; Supreme Court rulings and state laws that impact women's lives; and an examination of the ways the climate for women in politics has changed as a result of September 11 and the focus on terror, foreign policy, and the military. New!Chapter 5: "Women as Political Actors" is a unique consideration of women as both "insiders" and "outsiders" in the political process. Policy chapters examine education, economics, and fertility and family issues in regard to the text's main theme of gender equality. "Controversies of Equality" boxes promote critical thinking and discussion of key issues, cases, and controversies relating to gender equality by presenting different perspectives and offering discussion questions.