Women and Development in the Third World

By Janet Henshall Momsen

For all societies, the common denominator of gender is female subordination. For women of the Third World the effects of this position are worsened by economic crisis, the legacy of colonialism, as well as patriarchal attitudes and economic crises. Feminist critique has introduced the gender factor to development theory, arguing that the equal distribution of the benefits of economic development can only be achieved through a radical restructuring of the process of development. This important new book reviews both policy and practice in Latin America, Africa and Asia and raises thought-provoking questions concerning the role of development planning and the empowerment of women.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0415016959
• ISBN13: 9780415016957
• Release Date: March 1991
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.9" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Women and Development in the Third World

This book is an easy reader yet it has very interesting case studies that further strengthens the key ideas throughout the book.

An eye-opening look at women in development

Momsen gives the reader a detailed and data saturated presentation of the predominant reasons behind and the characteristics of discrimination against women in 3rd world countries. She makes salient points about local economic function and readily backs up her hypotheses with graphs and tables chock full of econometric goodness. But the book drags at times, especially when she delves into data doldrums. She rescues herself through a well constructed argument that helps neophytes like me understand the complex issue at hand. Overall, a good effort and extremely informative. Keep up the good work.

Information in Every Sentence

This book was excellent because it had very well thought out and factual information. I enjoyed and agree with, especially the thesis that the reason women are economically under men is because of the extra work they have becuase of their multiple responsibilities; i.e. housekeeping, child rearing, and a job. - Kimberly Campbell

Short Review

Women and Development in the Third World asks and answers questions about why women stand where they do in the developing world. The result of women's labor both within and outside of the home is explored in depth. The strength of this short book is its ability to keep the reader's interest, even while quoting hard data. This is not a feminist complaint about the subordination of women; it is an objective look at the role women play in the economies of the developing world.

An interesting look at changes in W+D in the Third World

Janet Henshall's book is an informing statistical look at the issues surrounding women in the third world. Before reading this book I had many questions concerning unequal sex ratios and women's status in the Third World and beyond. This curiosity stems from my rich Iranian heritage, which opened my eyes to cultural differences in women. This book gives an insight to these questions whereby one can make more informed opinions and not generalizations.