“The authors conduct an expert autopsy of some of the most fraught gender issues in US politics.” —Anna Mahoney, Perspectives on Politics "The authors document U.S. public policy in a way that contextualizes the progression of women’s rights from the early 1800s through the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade.... they offer an accessible text for navigating the evolution of public policy.” —Liz Grauel, Resources for Gender and Women’s Studies

“Especially valuable for students.... The authors are able to cover substantial policy ground in their exploration of both the historical origins of policies impacting women’s rights and contemporary developments.” —Sara Chatfield, Political Science Quarterly

"Offers keen insights on contentious public policy issues that affect the status of women. The focus on the 'revolving door' toward progress highlights the complicated interactions among all three branches of government in the policymaking process." —Laura van Assendelft, Mary Baldwin University

Despite women's many gains in the political, economic, and social spheres, equality remains elusive—and in some areas, ground is being lost. Why? Why does the pay gap between women and men persist? Why is sexual harassment and assault so prevalent in schools and universities? Why are efforts to diminish women's individual autonomy, restricting their access to reproductive health care, succeeding?

Susan Mezey and Megan Sholar address these disturbing questions, tracing the struggle for women's equal rights and opportunities in the US across more than a century.