This essential guide takes an intelligent look at the role of women in political life in France under the Fifth Republic. The unique political history of France ensures that it remains an important and exceptional example of women's participation in the politics of a Western European country, and its study is essential in order to have a complete understanding of women and politics today.

Dr Gill Allwood, Gill Allwood, Dr Khursheed Wadia

List of tables, Acknowledgements, List of acronyms and abbreviations, Introduction, 1 Women and the state, 2 Women and the political parties, 3 Women and the trade unions, 4 Electoral behaviour and attitudes, 5 Explaining women's absence from politics, 6 Women's political activity in the ecology movement and coordinations, 7 Feminist politics, 8 Increasing women's political representation, 9 Parity, democracy and citizenship, Conclusion, Notes, Bibliography, Index