Women and other Marginalized Sections in the Politics of Developing Countries

Third world women just as woman in industrialized nations are largely represented in particular occupations. The majority work in agricultural employment or jobs that are unregulated by the state such as street vendors and small businesses. Similarly as in industrialized nations Third World professional women are over-represented in such professions as nursing and teaching. Divisions between women’s and men’s work have obvious economic and political implications. Evidence of gender inequality and exploitation of women exist in most societies yet some of the worst cases are found in the developing world. The murder of some five thousand woman annually in India by dissatisfied husbands; the enslavement of women working in Pakistan’s brick-making industry; wife beatings in Zambia and the Andes; and the sale of child brides are only a few of the many instances of women’s subservient status in many Third World countries. Less dramatic examples of gender inequality include divorce laws that favour husbands; the restricted opportunities for women’s employment in universities the professions and higher-paid blue collar jobs; and the double clay that woman must frequently face (coming home from a long day’s work and having to do all the housework and child care). After years of neglect many international agencies and government planners have begun to recognize women’s special status and needs in development projects. The book brings together information on women’s and weaker sections education and development reviews research results for each developing region identifies gaps in current knowledge and discusses problems of methodology.