This book is a compilation of papers reporting and interpreting new research on women presented at the 1979 conference, "Women's Life Cycle and Public Policy," held at the University of Michigan. The papers focus on ways that women's lives may differ from men's, and on adaptations, both individual and social, that may encourage equal participation and satisfaction in society. The materials are divided into nine sections: (1) women's development (life-cycle theories); (2) women's involvement in multiple roles; (3) stages in family life (individual development of men and women); (4) issues in the workplace; (5) changes, transitions, and crises; (6) life satisfaction (well-being); (7) women and health; (8) women's education; and (9) women's lives and public policy. A brief index and information about each author is provided. (Author/CS)