Berg - Sexism in America: alive, well, and ruining our future

I am fortunate to have received ongoing encouragement and support while writing this book. Deborah and Ralph Blumenthal, Jane and John Brickman, Miriam Forman-Brunell, Nina and Peter Cobb, Susan Heath, Rosalind and Bob Konigsberg, Susan Maier, Susan Pollock, Amanda Rolat, Patty Wineapple, and Gerri Woods have all offered cogent, critical insights to the manuscript in its different stages. Their generosity of time and spirit and their unfailing interest and abiding friendships have enhanced my work and kept me going through the inevitable rough spots.

I am also indebted to Lynn La Pierre, who was always at the ready to read and discuss my writing, and whose help in developing my online survey was invaluable. Lynne Hirsh did a wonderful job of designing my Web site, making it possible for me to reach hundreds of women across the country. Kari Etter and Laura Harrington graciously assisted with my many emergency computer problems and saved my manuscript on numerous occasions.

My editors at Chicago Review Press, Sue Betz and Lisa Reardon, have been steadfast allies in this project. Im deeply appreciative of their commitment to the topic as well as their sage counsel and hard work.

Deborah Schneider, my literary agent, is truly in a class by herself. She is that rare beinguncommonly intelligent, deeply dedicated to her writers, remarkable in her understanding of how and where a manuscript will flourish, and unstinting in her efforts to make it happen. Sexism in America originated over the course of several conversations in her office. Her passionate response to the subject matter and her professional expertise transformed our wonderful talks into this book. And while I dont want her to be overrun with authors, she epitomizes the best in the business. I am grateful as well to Cathy Gleason, Britt Carlson, and Victoria Marini of the Gelfman Schneider Agency for their ongoing, enthusiastic assistance.

Thank you also to all the women and school-age girls who took time out of their hectic schedules to answer my survey and then pass it on to their friends, relatives, and colleagues. Your stories have motivated and enriched this endeavor. I have integrated them throughout the book, changing the names of those who requested I do so. Any book as comprehensive as this one has many roots (and many intellectual debts). My thinking has been shaped by students in my history and medical school classes and by the women Ive met through various organizations and associations who have touched my life.

My entire family has been magnificent throughout this entire process. The younger generation, especially, has formed the go-to group for reality checks about whats up and in with the twenty- and thirtysomething set. My children and their spousesAlison and Michael Dalewitz, Andrew Schlanger, and Laura and Alexis Magedhave been a constant source of love and enthusiasm. Always available to talk and always interested in my progress, their unflagging belief in my ability to meet my deadline made me believe it also, even when time and energy argued otherwise.

Finally, my husband, Arnold Schlanger, has listened to, read, and discussed every aspect of my book. I could not and would not write without him. He is an eternal optimist and my partner in everything. My gratitude extends beyond what I can adequately convey. It is ineffable and everlasting.

My great sadness is that my motheran educator, social activist, and inspirationdid not live to see Sexism in America published. Her death during the final stages of its revision was for all of us an immeasurable loss. I humbly hope that this book, in some small way, honors and pays tribute to her life.