In this second edition the author incorporates new topics and illustrative cases that significantly expand topics addressed in the first edition; updating historiography; and adding new material on poor, rural, indigenous, and slave women.

1. Iberian women in the Old World and the New -- 2. Before Columbus : women in indigenous America and Africa -- 3. Conquest and colonization -- 4. The arrival of Iberian women -- 5. Women, marriage, and family -- 6. Elite women -- 7. The brides of Christ and other religious women -- 8. Women and work -- 9. Women and slavery -- 10. Women and social deviance : crime, witchcraft, and rebellion -- 11. Women and enlightenment reform.