This book examines the contemporary situation of women in France and makes an essential contribution to the growing interdisciplinary interest in la condition feminine. It addresses both mainstream issues - such as women's paid and unpaid work, women in politics with particular reference to the current parity debates, leisure and contemporary women's writing - as well as under-represented areas, namely women in rural France, immigrant and exiled women and the situation of lesbians. Authors examine the problems facing women at home and at work and critically assess the policy initiatives to combat unemployment, occupation segregation and pay inequality. Despite their high levels of activity in employment, French women still shoulder the burden of domestic work, child rearing and care for relatives and there are many areas of political representation where they are notable for their absence. Leading experts survey leisure practices and language - fascinating indicators for social roles, power relations and gender differences - and provide us with new insights into the position of women, whether in rural France, the media or immigrant and exile communities.This interdisciplinary book is suitable for both specialists seeking information within a specific area of gender studies and non-specialists seeking a general overview of women's situation in contemporary metropolitan France and will therefore appeal to a wide range of readers across humanities and social sciences.