Sex Equality Policy in Western Europe (Electronic book text)

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 conceptualizing equality in the political and economic fields. The contributors then survey the elements that combine, individually or collectively, to press for equality polity. The book concludes with an exploration of the cutting edge of policy drafting, investigationg the many other factors outside the policy community that influence the adoption and implementation of equality of measures.