“I think a lot of the writing and conversation about women and work—it’s a real downer,” says Nation columnist Katha Pollitt. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In, she says, provides some much-needed optimism. Even so, “there are plenty of women who have leaned in very hard” but still experience discrimination, and Sandberg’s book could have put more emphasis on policies like affirmative action. Pollitt joins a PBS News Hour panel to discuss the challenges women face in the workplace—and where men fit into the equation.

—James Cersonsky

What can sports coaches do to stop rape? Read Dave Zirin’s take.