Women's Decision-Making

Essential characteristics of women''s decision-making have long been ignored or if considered at all have been viewed in relationship to male-based factors. Veeder drawing on experiences of Irish women establishes that women making important choices do so differently than men. The women ranging in age from as young as thirteen to over sixty-five were divided into three age groupings thereby offering insights into variables over much of the life-span. Themes born from common experiences emerge from the poignant compelling accounts of individual women. The author''s analysis and commentary structure the book''s development and maintain its focus on the context wherein women make their private but immensely important decisions the family. Education vocation marriage and childbearing are considered relative to the thought and emotional factors that influenced the women''s decisions.Veeder concludes that women show strength and insight in their approach to choices. She sees women in comparison with men as taking more factors into consideration being more aware of consequences being more practical flexible and valuing of relationships. Women''s participation in the workforce and their increased societal roles make this a most timely book. It is too an important contribution to and stimulus for additional research on gender and decision-making.