Since obtaining the vote in 1945, there has been an evolution in the condition of women's lives in France. Women have brought about far-reaching legislative change and have gained their say in French politics through the Ministry of Women's Rights. The philosophy and ideology of the French Women's Movement has exerted a powerful influence on feminist thinkers in Europe and America. Claire Laubier brings together documentary and statistical material, extracts from newspapers and journals, literary texts, advertisements, manifestos, and personal testimonies. Each extract relates to the different experiences of women in France at work, in politics, at home and in the family. They also highlight women's issues of birth control, fashion, language, literature and the media. Together they offer a direct and thought-provoking chronological and thematic account of women's lives in post-war France. On a linguistic level, extracts range in difficulty and offer a wide variety of style to stimulate varied language practice and discussion.