Abstract: This volume presents a research agenda, developed by leading scholars of American politics, suggesting directions that could fruitfully shape the study of women and American politics in the early 21st century. Each contributor was asked to identify existing gaps in knowledge in her area of expertise, to think about new directions for research, and to imagine the kinds of research projects that would both enhance our understanding of the dynamics surrounding women's participation in American politics and facilitate the efforts of those who are working to increase women's representation and influence in politics. The volume includes useful reviews of existing research about various aspects of women's political participation, but the primary focus is on important research questions that pose a challenge for the next generation of scholars. The contributors to this volume suggest approaches, methods, and topics for future research on the following subjects: political recruitment, campaign strategy, money, political leadership, parties and women's organizations, the gender gap in voting and public opinion, media, women of colour, and participation outside of conventional electoral politics. This volume originated from a conference organized by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

Keywords: approach, method, political participation, politics, representation, research agenda, research questions, USA, women