In this third volume of the "Women"s Studies Encyclopedia", Helen Tierney has brought together a wide range of articles that focus on women"s roles, activities and status in past and present society. Selected topics in history, religion and philosophy are addressed by specialists in the various fields, and receive coverage of unusual depth. In addition, although the focus is on the United States and Western society, special attention is paid to women of India, China, and Japan, as well as those in Africa and other cultures. As with the previous volumes, Tierney"s collection offers a wide variety of feminist approaches. The topics covered provide a representative sampling of women"s roles in history, philosophy, and religion and examine a diverse range of periods, countries, and areas. Most of the articles run from 1000 to 1500 words, and many include a short bibliography to supplement the general bibliography that concludes the work. Encompassing everything from classic statements of feminist philosophy to the most recent research in women"s studies, this book offers a wide range of viewpoints and easy access to a collection of topics that are normally dispersed. It is a continuation of the "Women"s Studies Encyclopedia" and should be a valuable reference tool for courses in women"s studies, history, comparative religion and philosophy.