Frank Thames and Margaret Williams' concept of contagion - and their careful analysis of how women's participation and gains in one institution affect their opportunities in other areas of government - pushes the scholarship on women and politics forward.They draw on a broad array of empirical evidence including both large n statistical analysis and case studies drawn from around the ... Read moreworld to support their argument. By advancing our understanding of how inter-institutional relationships affect opportunities for women's political participation, this book makes important contributions to the women and gender studies literature. Clearly written, the book is accessible to a wide audience. -Melinda Adams,Associate Professor of Political Science, James Madison University Using the novel idea of contagion, this pathbreaking book is indispensable for those of us who struggle to account for the variations in women's representation in diverse political institutions, regions and across time. It's a must for women and politics courses. -Marianne Githens,Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Goucher College This is a very accessible book that provides rigorous qualitative and quantitative research methods and a theory that can be tested in other areas such as business. Highly recommended for scholars of gender and political representation and a valuable text for women's studies, research methods, and political science students. Summing Up: Highly recommended. -I. Coronado,Choice Show Less