This work investigates how gender dynamics and power structures have evolved and intersected within British society from the mid-seventeenth century to the late twentieth century. Susan Kingsley Kent utilizes a chronological framework to analyze the shifting roles of men and women across political, economic, and cultural spheres. By examining the institutional and social constraints of various eras, the author argues that gender is a fundamental category for understanding the development of the British state and its imperial identity.

Scholars and students of history frequently cite this text as a comprehensive overview of the intersection between gender and political power in Britain. The book is recognized for its ability to synthesize complex social changes into a clear, accessible chronological narrative for academic study.