In 1975, which was the height of the women's movement, I thought I'd write a book on women's history. But in searching for a topic, I realized that there were few places in history where men and women interacted. Finally, it hit me: 'Oh, look at the family. That's the one place.'

There is no denying that we have made great progress toward gender equality.

Feminism needs a political program because gender inequality has been fostered by political decisions.

Historically, mass demonstrations have worked best at shifting public opinion and pressuring the powers-that-be when organizers highlighted one concrete demand: 'Bring Our Boys Home from Vietnam'; 'End Segregation Now'; 'Support Women's Right to Choose.'

Both of my parents worked, so it was my way of helping around the house by making dinner for my family. I fell in love with it.

The Gandhi family has a tradition of being good hosts. When you call upon them, they treat you with a lot of respect.

My family didn't come from fame. No one was musical in my family except for me.

My family never took vacations; we never traveled together. We never did anything. My spring breaks were going home to help my dad at the restaurant.