Sex equality policy in Western Europe

The idea of gender equality is now commonplace in international communities. It is adopted, adapted and enshrined in legislation by many nations, but implemented, monitored and evaluated by relatively few.

Combining theoretical insights with empirical examples, this study discusses the similarities and differences in levels of awareness, commitment to equality of opportunity, and readiness to turn rhetoric into reality in a number of West European countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Britain, Norway and Ireland.

The first part of the book outlines the difficulties surrounding the initial stage of conceptualising equality in the political and economic fields. The contributors then survey the elements that combine, individually or collectively, to press for equality policy. The book concludes with an exploration of the cutting edge of policy drafting, investigating the many other factors outside the policy community that influence the adoption and implementation of equality measures.

With contributions from political scientists, sociologists, economic and legal experts from Europe and the US, Sex Equality Policy in Western Europe outlines the trends which explain why equality measures in some countries are further ahead and more readily embraced than in others.