The fourth edition of this classic, comprehensive and best-selling text on gender and women's studies marks over twenty years of engaging with the key issues and developments in gender and feminist theory. With fully revised chapters written by specialists across a range of core topics, including sexuality, work, the media, race, education, family, bodies, masculinity, methodologies, social movements and politics, this accessible but academically rigorous collection breaks down contemporary debates with helpful examples and questions, whilst also underlining the complexities and contradictions of this area of study. In particular, this new edition: . continues to reflect the shift from 'women's studies' to 'gender studies', incorporating masculinity studies throughout;. features new chapters on violence and the environment, reflecting continuing and more recent feminist concerns; . includes expanded discussion of intersectionality, international and transnational issues. Coinciding with an upsurge in new forms of feminist politics, this timely publication confirms the continuing relevance of gender and women's studies. It remains an indispensable resource for students, academics and anyone interested in this lively field.

An important overview of gender and feminism today from internationally renowned experts. The 4th edition combines classic and new work, whilst offering insightful comparisons of global examples.

PART I: THEORY AND POLITICS.- 1. Conceptualizing Gender; Diane Richardson.- 2. Feminist Theories; Sally Hines.- 3. Feminist Politics: From Activism to Representation; Nickie Charles.- 4. Masculinity Studies, Gender Relations and Feminism; Victoria Robinson.- 5. Gender Sensitive Method/ologies; Gayle Letherby.- PART II: BODIES -IDENTITIES.- 6. Gendered Bodies: Gendered Lives; Kath Woodward.- 7. Violence Against Women; Liz Kelly.- 8. Racing the Feminist Agenda: Exploring the Intersections Between Race, Ethnicity and Gender; Kate Reed.- 9. Sexuality; Priscilla Dunk-West and Heather Brook.- PART III: INSTITUTIONS.- 10. Families, Domesticity and Intimacy: Changing Relationships in Changing Times; Stevi Jackson.- 11. Postfeminist Educational Media Panics, Girl Power and the Problem/Promise of 'Successful Girls'; Jessica Ringrose and Debbie Epstein.- 12. Transformation and Persistence in the Gender Division of Work; Zoe Irving.- PART IV: CULTURES AND CONTEXT.- 13. Media and Popular Culture; Ruth Holliday.- 14. Gender and Environment: Feminist Thought, Politics and Practice; Dianne Rocheleau and Padini Nirmal.