Unequal Sisters

Unequal Sisters has become a beloved and classic reader in American Women’s History. It provides an unparalleled resource for understanding women’s history in the United States today. When it was first published in 1990, it revolutionized the field with its broad multicultural approach, and continued, through its next two editions, to emphasize feminist perspectives on race, ethnicity, region, and sexuality. This classic work is in its fourth edition, and has incorporated the feedback of end-users in the field, to make it the most user-friendly version to date.

"This remarkable collection of essays challenges traditional conceptions of womanhood. Ruiz has selected highly readable interpretations of women's historical experiences as they emerge from a wide array of perspectives, including women's political standpoints, their ethnic and racial situations, sexual preferences, and class positions. Taken together the essays signal a new direction in the history of women."— Alice Kessler-Harris, author of Gendering Labor History"With over a dozen new essays, the fourth edition of Unequal Sisters is perhaps the strongest yet in terms of depth, breadth, and diversity of analysis. It is an exciting, vital mix of now-classic statements and cutting-edge work that brilliantly illuminates the complexities of ethnicity, race, class, region, gender, and sexuality. The anthology is undoubtedly among the very best in the field."— Michele Mitchell, author of Righteous Propagation: African Americans and the Politics of Racial Destiny after Reconstruction"This remarkable collection showcases the multiple ways in which women of color make history for themselves and others within and beyond U.S. borders. New studies combined with classic feminist writings make it an indispensable tool for advancing an inclusive women’s history."— Shirley Hune, co-author of Asian/Pacific Islander American Women: A Historical Anthology"Grounded in the exploration of gender, race, class, and generational differences, this new edition of Unequal Sisters proves, yet again, that the field of Women’s History continues to be at the forefront of our collective desire to understand the ways that women's complex pasts remain deeply relevant for all those who struggle for equality and a just society today. Without a doubt, this book is essential reading for all!"— Suzanne Oboler, author of Latinos and Citizenship: The Dilemma of Belonging

Vicki Ruiz is Professor of History and Chicano/Latino Studies at UC Irvine. She is the past-president of OAH (2006), and current president of the American Studies Association.