INTRODUCTION A Theoretical Framework; E.Drew, G.Moore, R.Siemienska & M.Vianello Methodology; S.Sansonetti, D.Lyon, G.Moore, J.Neale & M.Palgi PART I: PATHWAYS TO POWER Gender, Class and Public Power; J.Liddle & E.Michielsens The Élite's Cultural Capital: A View on Education; M.A.G.de León, M.J.A.Sánchex & H.R.Navarro Career Trajectories: Convergence or Divergence?; E.Drew Men and Women in Political Leadership; M.Carrilho PART II: POWER, STRATEGIES, CONTEXTS AND USES Top People and Mentors; M.Palgi Gendered Time and Women's Access to Power; A.Woodward & D.Lyon Life Choices and Leaders' Informal Networks; J.Bakker Interpersonal Contacts; G.Moore & D.White Organisational Structure and Gender; B.Kavcic & M.Merkac The Exercise of Power; M.Vianello PART III: HINDRANCE OR ASSET?: COMBINING EVERYDAY LIFE AND ÉLITE CAREERS Family Characteristics; J.Neale Traditional or New Ways of Living; G.Diem-Wille & J.Ziegler Life and Career in North and South Europe; J.Kuusipalo, K.Kauppinen & I.Nuutinen Career Life Forms; J.Esseveld & G.Andersson PART IV: THE CULTURAL DIMENSIONS OF GENDER (IN) EQUALITY IN ÉLITES Hierarchies, Attitudes and Gender; L.N.Smokovita & B.Baldwin Perspectives on Gender Cultures in Élites; B.Liebig The Social Construction of Gender; L.Hojgaard & J.Esseveld Élite's Value Orientations; R.Siemienska Conclusions; G.Moore & M.Vianello Appendix: Data About Countries; S.Sansonetti Bibliography