This book is a major project of the Research and Publications Committee of Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS). SWS has supported the project from its very start with organizational resources and the intellectual contributions of its members. For her early support of the project, we especially thank Roberta Cohen, SWS president, 1982-1984. All royalties from this book will return to SWS. With a belief in the importance of scholarly publishing, the contributors'skill and responsiveness, and the support of SWS and of Westview's staff (especially Deborah Lynes, Jeanne Campbell, Christine Arden, and Sandi Genova), I have found it a pleasure to produce this collection.