Review by Choice Review
In this ambitious, exciting two-volume set, editors Gelb and Palley provide readers interested in women in politics with a stunning set of articles. Volume 1 focuses on political issues, and volume 2 on a selection of countries representing a variety of settings worldwide. In volume 1, contributors direct attention to policy areas including globalization, political development, economic development, education, sexual rights, women's health, women's reproductive patterns (including breast-feeding and child care policies), violence against women, and economic issues such as micro-financing. The first chapter by Claire Rasmussen sets the scene quite well. She reviews the way the very use of the terms "sex," "gender," and "women" are anything but self-evident. In particular, she stresses that even though sex difference itself may be somewhat common throughout historical time and political place, its meaning varies significantly and dramatically. The chapters in volume 2 are uniformly excellent and informative, encompassing a diverse set of countries representative of both the third world and industrially advanced, across the world's major regions and continents. Though it is difficult to single out particular chapters for commendation, the chapter by Magda Hinojosa that provides historical perspectives for understanding women's contemporary political participation in Argentina is very strong. While no book can do everything, it would have been interesting to consider the way women's issues and equality figure in transnational groups such as the EU, an entity noted for its antidiscrimination policies. Furthermore, both volumes would have benefitted from the organization of chapters into themes. That said, this is an extraordinary achievement; the editors have included many established scholars in the field, as well as many newer scholars. The volumes are remarkable in that they introduce not only new ideas, but a new generation of feminist scholars. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. E. McDonagh Northeastern University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
