Women's Rights

Women's rights issues have been a part of the political and social fabric of the United States since the Declaration of Independence. In fact, women's rights activists have often wielded principles enunciated in the Declaration as they struggled to secure equality. This reference source examines 15 controversial issues concerning women's rights in the United States. A historical overview introduces each issue, followed by the presentation of primary documents that illustrate the various positions women and men have taken in support of or opposition to the issue at hand. Chapters highlight such landmark issues as the Declaration of the Rights of Women, women in the labor movement, women's suffrage, the politics of birth control and abortion, and Title IX. Each chapter concludes with an annotated list of sources to direct students in further research, making this a perfect starting point for students interested in examining the drama, impact, and constant national influence of women's issues.