Now updated to include the latest research, court decisions, and policy directions, as well as references to the most fruitful web sites for further research, this fascinating volume explores the rich ongoing interaction of cultural change and public policy as it affects the lives of women in the United States.With engaging vignettes of women"s personal stories and lively, readable explanations, the book covers a broad range of policy areas, from education to family law, and the authors provide historical context and outline the formation and implementation of current policy. An index, suggestions for further reading, and chronologies of major events add to the reference value of this work.