The Changing Status of Women in West Bengal, 1970-2000

The issue of the status of women in society has been a matter of intense scrutiny and debate all over the world. This is equally true of India, an essentially patriarchal society, where the goal of equality between men and women is actually guaranteed by the country’s constitution. Despite this, there remains a great deal to be done to secure women’s equal status in Indian society, especially when it comes to deprived or neglected groups. This important and comprehensive volume vividly depicts the current status of women and girls in West Bengal. The analysis has been conducted in the framework of the socio-economic and politico-cultural ambience that has characterized the state in recent decades. The contributors highlight both areas of strength and vulnerability and clearly demonstrate that the status of women cannot be conceived as monolithic or static-it has many facets and is in a state of constant flux. Conceived as a major contribution to policy debates on the current status of women in India and based on an unusual compilation of available data, this volume covers all major parameters: demography, health and nutrition, education, economic development, political participation, law, violence, and culture. The analysis of macro data is supported by revealing micro studies based on field surveys and an examination of cultural trends. With its wide canvas and incisive analysis, this volume will attract the attention of all social scientists. It will be of particular interest to all those in the field of women’s studies as also activists, NGOs and policy makers.