Jessie Bernard, in this serious book, pulls into an analytic framework the research, theory, and polemics about the status and problems of women as they relate to public policy. With a scholarly, deeply concerned eye, the author comprehensively examines areas of public interest, human resource development and utilization, self-fulfillment and sex roles, and the women's liberation movement. Bernard argues that sexual division of labor is at odds with the "general welfare" provision of the Constitution, and that artificial sexual allocation of function impedes the "pursuit of happiness" mandate of the Declaration of Independence. Avoiding both the shrillness of political rhetoric about women's rights and the dullness of an impersonal research paper, Bernard writes knowledgeably and sympathetically about what women can and should do to change public policy and achieve their goals. She combs the sociological and related literatures to document and analyze women's special burdens and disadvantages in American society and concludes that a radical redrawing of sex roles is necessary. A generally positive discussion of the recent women's liberation movement, including portraits of some of its leaders drawn from personal interviews, is also included. Designed for all readers, the book can readily serve as an overview of the historical roots of the women's movement. It provides excellent reading for courses in social psychology and sociology. Guidance counselors and personnel directors will find this book of continuing use, in their practical activities on behalf of career-oriented women.

Jessie Bernard, in this serious book, pulls into an analytic framework the research, theory, and polemics about the status and problems of women as they relate to public policy. With a scholarly, deeply concerned eye, the author comprehensively examines areas of public interest, human resource development and utilization, self-fulfillment and sex roles, and the women's liberation movement. Bernard argues that sexual division of labor is at odds with the "general welfare" provision of the Constitution, and that artificial sexual allocation of function impedes the "pursuit of happiness" mandate of the Declaration of Independence.

Avoiding both the shrillness of political rhetoric about women's rights and the dullness of an impersonal research paper, Bernard writes knowledgeably and sympathetically about what women can and should do to change public policy and achieve their goals. She combs the sociological and related literatures to document and analyze women's special burdens and disadvantages in American society and concludes that a radical redrawing of sex roles is necessary. A generally positive discussion of the recent women's liberation movement, including portraits of some of its leaders drawn from personal interviews, is also included.

Designed for all readers, the book can readily serve as an overview of the historical roots of the women's movement. It provides excellent reading for courses in social psychology and sociology. Guidance counselors and personnel directors will find this book of continuing use, in their practical activities on behalf of career-oriented women.

"Jessie Bernard" (1903-1996) was Research Scholar, Honoris Causa, at the Pennsylvania State University. Her many books include "Remarriage, The Sex Game, The Future of Marriage, American Community Behavior," and "Social Problems at Midcentury"; and, she has contributed numerous articles to professional journals. She was educated at the University of Minnesota and Washington University, and had a distinguished career that included the presidency of the Society for the Study of Social Problems.

Jessie Bernard was one of the foremost early feminist sociologists and public intellectuals in women 's studies. In "The Jessie Bernard Reader," Michael S. Kimmel and Yasemin Besen have compiled her most intriguing and influential work on marriage, the family, sexuality, and changing women 's roles in the United States. Bernard 's pioneering works bridged the gap between academic social science and public advocacy for gender equality. Her books were landmarks in demarcating the effects of the separation of spheres. Among her most celebrated arguments was that couples experienced two different marriages, his and hers and that his was better than hers. This volume will inspire a new generation of scholars, a generation that inherits the gains for which Bernard struggled her entire career.

Jessie Bernard was one of the foremost early feminist sociologists and public intellectuals in women 's studies. In "The Jessie Bernard Reader," Michael S. Kimmel and Yasemin Besen have compiled her most intriguing and influential work on marriage, the family, sexuality, and changing women 's roles in the United States. Bernard 's pioneering works bridged the gap between academic social science and public advocacy for gender equality. Her books were landmarks in demarcating the effects of the separation of spheres. Among her most celebrated arguments was that couples experienced two different marriages, his and hers and that his was better than hers. This volume will inspire a new generation of scholars, a generation that inherits the gains for which Bernard struggled her entire career.

Discussing the hardships, advantages, and disparities among different genders, Jessie Bernard pens a book on a mission to "discover the female world" (The Washington Post). Sensitive to conflicts of class, race, and ethnicity as well as to the underlying bonds of gender, The Female World is an exuberant celebration of women's unique strengths and differences. Illuminating and powerful, this magnificent and timeless book is to be read, cherished, and argued by readers of all genders.