Early research into women's political participation assumed erroneously that gender was more important than race, ethnicity, and class, that uniform commitment on women's issues would occur, and that only female officeholders could represent women. Based on attitudinal, participatory, and electoral data collected in Houston, Texas in 1977-78, this research paper measures political knowledge, information, and participation in local government only. Throughout the paper the same findings occur; political maturation enhances diversity of political opinion and participatory activities rather than homogeniety. After women's original goal was obtained, cross pressures caused by basic value differences conflicted and polarization was the result. Women did not become the same type of cohesive bloc-voting group as are racial, ethnic, and economic-based groups because socioeconomic factors, rather than gender, were their primary political cues. Fifteen data tables illustrate the research. (Author/CK)