Originally published in 1980, this title aimed to provide a sociological, biographically organised portrait of women written from a feminist perspective. It was the first self-contained analytical textbook treatment to present an account of the situation of women in modern Britain that was informed by sociological research.

Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction 2. The Sociology of Sex and Gender Part 1: Childhood and Adolescence 3. Childhood - the Years from Birth to 11 4. Adolescence 5. Youngs Adults Part 2: Adulthood Introduction 6. Work, Deviance and Leisure 7. Community and Class 8. Power, Politics, Leisure and Religion 9. The Mother, Grandmother and Widow: Parenthood and Old Age 10. Conclusions. Further Reading. Bibliography. Index of Authors. Index of Subjects.