The economic evolution of American women from the colonial era to 1984 is examined. The labor-scarce environment of the colonial era gave women access to any occupation they wished, e.g., field work, household manufacturing. With the Industrial Revolution, 1820-1865, the role of women changed. Industrialists hired women because they would work for…

The major focus of this book is on patterns of family life that emerge when viewed through the perspective of the different phases of the family life cycle and the various pressures that have changed or reshaped family life during the course of history. Regardless of its title and because the U.S. government does not have a national policy on…

Designed to provide answers to questions on women's issues and programs, the guide is arranged into two parts. Part 1, which comprises about three-fourths of the guide, contains background information and answers to often asked questions on 84 issues, such as abortion, affirmative action, battered women, divorce, incest, and insurance. Each entry…