The Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada, Initiated in 1967, was a key element in the growing awareness of the political status of women. This collection of essays reflects some of the principal areas of study undertaken since that time. Marked by the double characteristics of unity and diversity this volume examines the relation between women and a neo-liberal State. The ways in which women become involved in democratic institutions, the form their political representation takes, and the strategies of women when dealing with the State are discussed.