Ann E. Towns is Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware. Her research centers on gender in global governance and international society, with a focus on the status of women as a standard of rank in international politics.

'In this outstanding book Ann Towns provides a definitive account of generally under-acknowledged sea changes in the incorporation of women in the state. Especially noteworthy is Towns' compelling demonstration of the productive power of international norms. This will be required reading for constructivists, critical scholars of hierarchy in international society, and all concerned with women and politics/governance.' Raymond Duvall, University of Minnesota

• Tables; 1. Introduction; 2. Constructivism and worldwide changes in state policy; 3. A complex society of norms and social hierarchies; 4. Excluding women in the society of civilized states; 5. Women's suffrage and the standards of civilization; 6. National women's policy bureaus and the standards of development; 7. Legislature sex quotas and cultural rank; 8. Conclusion.

Ann E. Towns is Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware. Her research centers on gender in global governance and international society, with a focus on the status of women as a standard of rank in international politics.

'In this outstanding book Ann Towns provides a definitive account of generally under-acknowledged sea changes in the incorporation of women in the state. Especially noteworthy is Towns' compelling demonstration of the productive power of international norms. This will be required reading for constructivists, critical scholars of hierarchy in international society, and all concerned with women and politics/governance.' Raymond Duvall, University of Minnesota

• Tables; 1. Introduction; 2. Constructivism and worldwide changes in state policy; 3. A complex society of norms and social hierarchies; 4. Excluding women in the society of civilized states; 5. Women's suffrage and the standards of civilization; 6. National women's policy bureaus and the standards of development; 7. Legislature sex quotas and cultural rank; 8. Conclusion.

Ann E. Towns is Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware. Her research centers on gender in global governance and international society, with a focus on the status of women as a standard of rank in international politics.

'In this outstanding book Ann Towns provides a definitive account of generally under-acknowledged sea changes in the incorporation of women in the state. Especially noteworthy is Towns' compelling demonstration of the productive power of international norms. This will be required reading for constructivists, critical scholars of hierarchy in international society, and all concerned with women and politics/governance.' Raymond Duvall, University of Minnesota

• Tables; 1. Introduction; 2. Constructivism and worldwide changes in state policy; 3. A complex society of norms and social hierarchies; 4. Excluding women in the society of civilized states; 5. Women's suffrage and the standards of civilization; 6. National women's policy bureaus and the standards of development; 7. Legislature sex quotas and cultural rank; 8. Conclusion.