1.  How are coverture and patriarchy visible in today's marriage laws? Is any one gender advantaged or disadvantaged by today's laws? Explain.





2.  Evaluate the recent trend in states adopting "covenant marriages." How do you think women will fare under these arrangements? Are there any potential dangers for women who enter a covenant marriage? What interest is the state protecting in supporting this view of marriage? Is it an appropriate role for the state to play? Why or why not?





3.  Examine Table 8.1 (page 259). Explain why the United States is nearly alone in providing unpaid maternity and family leave. You might take into account the political culture and structure of various nations, the economic systems, as well as attitudes toward family.





4.  Trace the history of contraceptive access in the United States. In what ways were women disadvantaged by laws limiting contraception? How did class interests promote a negative view of contraception? Evaluate women's options for contraception today. Is it readily available? In what form? At what cost? What about for men?