Breaking from traditional studies of women that focus on how women differ from men or use psychotherapy clients as research subjects, this book examines how normal women forge their individual identities. Presenting the stories of ordinary women who were interviewed first as college students and then 12 years later, living with the choices they made, the author shows the subtle yet significant differences in ways women form relationships, raise children, pursue careers and develop values. The author describes four divergent pathways women follow and outlines the choices, challenges and struggles each path presents.