McBride and Parry examine the policy debates critical to women in American society. Analyzing both the historical contexts and current controversies, the authors show the processes behind the statues, court cases, and administrative rules pertaining to issues such as education, work pay, family, sexuality, and economic status and examine the role of women activists in shaping them. This fourth edition also features updates on contemporary issues of women and public policy, including same-sex marriage and lesbian issues, pay equity, conservative trends in courts, reproductive rights, and women in electoral politics. Themed boxes highlight information in five areas; Stories; Intersections; Equality and difference: cases; Equality and difference: laws; and Voices in debates--Inside cover.