Declines in real wages, increases in the number of poor families, and cutbacks to welfare and other safety-net programs have stimulated the popularity of microenterprise development programs (MDPs). These programs typically offer training and loans to individuals seeking to operate very small businesses. MDPs are often presented as a path to the self-sufficiency that comes with entrepreneurship and as an example of the success of market-based alternatives to government programs. In Bootstrap Dreams, Nancy C. Jurik analyzes the origins and maturation of these programs in the United States. Based on a national sample of fifty programs and an eight-year case study of one in particular, this is a rare book about microenterprise development. Jurik understands the positive social mission of MDPs, but she is not blind to the problems that they encounter. Jurik's clear perception of potential difficulties and her keen ability to place the microenterprise movement in the larger context of welfare reform and globalization make Bootstrap Dreams a valuable book.

"Martin and Jurik provide a clear body of evidence illuminating the gendered nature of criminal justice occupations. Of the multitude of feminist works on this topic, this is one of the best analyses available." -CRIMINAL JUSTICE REVIEW Doing Justice, Doing Gender: Women in Legal and Criminal Justice Occupations is a highly readable, sociologically grounded analysis of women working in traditionally male dominant justice occupations of law, policing, and corrections. This Second Edition represents not only a thorough update of research on women in these fields, but a careful reconsideration of changes in justice organizations and occupations and their impact on women's justice work roles over the past 40 years. New to the Second Edition: Introduces a wider range of workplace diversity and experiences: An expanded sociological theoretical framework grasps the interplay of gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in understanding workplace identities and inequities. Provides a better understanding of the centrality of gender issues to understanding the legal and criminal justice system in general: This edition further connects women's work experiences to social trends and consequent changes in legal system and in criminal justice agencies. Offers a more international perspective: More material is included on women lawyers, police, and correctional officers in countries outside the U.S. Intended Audience: This is an excellent supplemental text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses such as Gender & Work; Women and Work; Sociology of Work and Occupations; Women and the Criminal Justice System; and Gender Justice in the departments of Sociology, Criminal Justice, Women's Studies, and Social Work.

"Martin and Jurik provide a clear body of evidence illuminating the gendered nature of criminal justice occupations. Of the multitude of feminist works on this topic, this is one of the best analyses available." -CRIMINAL JUSTICE REVIEW Doing Justice, Doing Gender: Women in Legal and Criminal Justice Occupations is a highly readable, sociologically grounded analysis of women working in traditionally male dominant justice occupations of law, policing, and corrections. This Second Edition represents not only a thorough update of research on women in these fields, but a careful reconsideration of changes in justice organizations and occupations and their impact on women's justice work roles over the past 40 years. New to the Second Edition: Introduces a wider range of workplace diversity and experiences: An expanded sociological theoretical framework grasps the interplay of gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in understanding workplace identities and inequities. Provides a better understanding of the centrality of gender issues to understanding the legal and criminal justice system in general: This edition further connects women's work experiences to social trends and consequent changes in legal system and in criminal justice agencies. Offers a more international perspective: More material is included on women lawyers, police, and correctional officers in countries outside the U.S. Intended Audience: This is an excellent supplemental text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses such as Gender & Work; Women and Work; Sociology of Work and Occupations; Women and the Criminal Justice System; and Gender Justice in the departments of Sociology, Criminal Justice, Women's Studies, and Social Work.