This book contains a collection of essays that analyze how and with what measure of success women and minorities fare in comparison to whites, especially white males, in professions in the United States. Each of the eight chapters examines gender and/or racial differences in patterns of segregation and discrimination, career paths, and labor market outcomes in particular professions from a comparative, historical perspective. The following essays are included; "Watching the Changes: Women in Law" (Joan Norman Scott); "Women in Computer Work: Controlled Progress in a Technical Occupation" (Rosemary Wright); "Women Dentists: The Social Construction of a Profession" (Dennis O. Kaldenberg, Anisa M. Zvonkovic, Boris W. Becker); "Race and Ethnic Minorities and White Women in Management: Changes and Challenges" (Nancy DiTomaso, Steven A. Smith); "Social Work: The Status of Women in a 'Female Profession'" (Leslie Leighninger); "Serving Our Country: African American Women and Men in the U.S. Military" (Earl Smith); "Native Americans in Higher Education" (Allan Liska); and "Medical School Faculty Then and Now" (Joyce Tang). An introduction and conclusion are provided by the editors, Earl Smith and Joyce Tang. (KC)