Introduction: Gender & Equality Law

Abstract

This volume draws on several decades of advocacy for law reform to advance gender equality. Following an introduction that traces theoretical and doctrinal developments, the selected essays illustrate the evolution of dominant theoretical approaches and trace their application to core issues, such as the meaning of gender, family formation and roles, equality in the workplace, reproductive rights and violence. The selections are international in their range and include recent works that summarize foundational discussions as well as less well-known articles and essays that capture defining issues with enduring resonance. Taken together, these articles form the basis for discussions of recurring themes and debates such as: how best to define and account for biological, social or cultural differences based on gender; how the law can recognize historic and ongoing gender subordination while supporting individuals’ autonomy and agency; and the nature and role of women’s sexuality. They exemplify the ongoing dialectic between well-intentioned reform and unintended consequences that characterizes ongoing efforts to advance equality based on gender.

Keywords: gender, equality, discrimination