Liz Sperling analyzes key concepts in political philosophy to illustrate how common ideas have become almost intractable "truths" that continue to differentiate between the sexes in politics. Sperling looks in detail at the works of Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Marx, Rawls, and Nozick; the general themes to which they have contributed; and specific influences on the association of women and politics. The conclusion draws these analyses together to show how these theories have affected women on a practical level -- both in the political arena and in everday life.