Elusive Equality explores how government institutions¿the executive branch, the federal courts, Congress, and state legislatures¿affect the legal status of women. In this fully revised and updated edition, Susan Mezey traces the evolving legal parameters of gender equality from early court rulings through the most recent legislation and judicial decisions. She also analyzes the broader political context within which critical judicial decisions have been made. Giving thorough attention to issues ranging from education, work, and family to sports, sexual harrassment, and reproductive rights, she provides a clear guide to the relationships among women¿s rights, public policy, and the law.