Originally published in 1980 The Sociology of Women: An Introduction aimed to provide a sociological, biographically organised portrait of women written from a feminist perspective. It was the first self-contained analytical textbook treatment to present an account of the situation of women in modern Britain that was informed by sociological research. At the same time, it remained a straightforward and elementary text in the sense that it assumed no previous knowledge and is written throughout with the beginning student in mind; it provided a lively, thorough and realistic introduction to a range of sociological issues and problems; it is abundantly illustrated by examples from research findings and views women always in the context of the wider society around them; nor does it shirk controversial questions.
The book opens with a short chapter on sex and gender, then traces women’s lives as they grow from childhood through to old age. There are chapters on childhood, adolescence and early adulthood in the first part of the book, which deals principally with the home, the school and friendship patterns. In part two the focus shifts to the adult lives of women. The chapters here are on work, illness and deviance; on class and community; on politics, leisure and religion; and on motherhood and old age. An important feature of the book will be the extensive guidance it provides on further reading and the inclusion of a full bibliography of material on women’s lives.