This textbook presents a comprehensive economic analysis of women's issues and the economic factors that have changed their lives, from marriage and fertility to work and pay. Hoffman and Averett examine topics such as gender wage differentials, changes in marriage markets and fertility, and the rise of women's labour force activity. It also includes coverage of a wide range of policy issues, from taxes to family policy to microlending. Examples are combined with formal analysis, to give students a firm understanding of this area of economics.

This textbook will be invaluable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of economics, development and women's studies. The level of economic analysis is suitable for students with basic economics knowledge.