Intended as an introduction to women's studies, this guide brings together a diverse group of academics, artists, and activists who explore the issues of feminism and gender equality. These discussions of depictions of men and women in magazines and advertisements, gay and feminist art, the sexuality of disabled women, and lesbian motherhood are designed to show that understanding women, women and society, and gender relations can occur through many forms and at many levels. A Hypatia Index begins each chapter with an insightful statistical snapshot of women from around the world. Additionally, through academic research, fiction, e-mails, and music, the contributors explore a wide range of issues that highlight the complexities and nuances of gender studies in the 21st century.