This book addresses a key topic which is of considerable contemporary relevance with the feminising of the political scene under the latest Labour Government.

The book will be essential reading for students at all levels across the fields of Politics, Women's Studies, Sociology, History, Cultural Studies, Political Economy and 'Development' Studies more generally (such as in studies concerned with anti-racism, gender, social policy and the history of ideas within educational institutions, local government and voluntary organisations)

*Introduction *Early Feminist Political Theory and Women's Activism. *Socialist Thinking on Women's Liberation and Women's Activism. *Political Participation and Campaigns. *Black Feminist Critiques. *Lesbian Political Thinking. *Case Study of Women's Situation Within Socialist Context. *Case Study of Politics of Resistance Against Male Violence. *International Feminist Thinking and Campaigns. *Women in Politics - Formal Arenas and Informal Networks. *Conclusion: Drawing Together Threads of Change