Gender Inequality

Socioeconomic Analysis and Developing Country Case Studies

This unique book provides an easily comprehended overview of facts about gender inequality and contains a valuable introduction to economic theories of this inequality, the applicability of which is assessed in the light of empirical evidence. A special feature of this book is its adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to the study of gender inequality. Both economic and sociological influences on gender inequality are taken into account in an innovative fashion.

The scholarly coverage of this book is broad and focuses mainly on female disadvantage; both that suffered by female children and by women. Subjects covered include economic theories of gender inequality and critiques of these; sex selection, preferences for boys and the value of females; measures of gender inequality and their application; the occurrence of poverty and its relationship with the deprivation of women and children; implications for the status of females of their access to different forms of capital (taking into account modern concepts of capital); the need to take into account little explored relationships between gender inequality and the achievement of sustainable development; ecofeminism; and the abuse of women by men. The discussion is reinforced by case studies and examples drawn primarily from South Asian and Northeast Asian countries. Some attention is given in the case studies to the diverse practices of 'tribal' people and minorities. This is done in order to better assess existing theories about gender inequality. The value of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to the study of gender inequality is well demonstrated. Consequently, this book provides a more holistic and balanced view of gender inequality than other available books.

Contents:

• About the Author
• Preface
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
• Socioeconomics, Gender Inequality and Female Disadvantage: An Overview
• Economic Theories of the Family and Gender Inequality
• Sex Ratios, Sex Selection and the Value of Females
• Prejudice Against Female Children: Theory and Survey Findings from Eastern India
• Gender Inequality Indices of the UN and their Application to Asian Countries
• Determinants of the Intra-Family Status of Wives: Theory and a Study in West Bengal
• Poverty and Economically Deprived Women and Children: Their Interdependence and Policy
• Access to Capital and its Ownership: Implications for Gender Inequality
• Human Resource Capital, Gender Inequality and Sustainable Development
• Ecofeminism and Support for Sustainable Development and Conservation
• Work and Gender Inequalities in Selected Asian Countries
• The Abuse of Women by Men
• Insights Based on Field Notes Compiled in Eastern India: Tribals, Gender Issues and Village Life
• References
• Index

Readership: For readers who are interested in having an overview of gender inequality.
Key Features:

• This is the only available book which provides an extensive account of both economic and sociological (cultural) aspects of gender inequality. Theories about gender inequality are compared with reality by means of informative empirical evidence, interesting examples and valuable case studies. This is done in an easily accessible manner
• This book identifies several gender relationships not considered in other books. For example, it identifies and systematically explores consequence for sustainable development of gender inequality not considered by ecofeminists
• This book provides a unique (but constructive) critique of the existing literature on gender inequality