Urban Women in Contemporary India: A Reader

Since the early 1990s, feminists in India have been rallying against integrating the Indian economy into the world market, perceiving it as a phenomenon which will lead to increased feminisation of poverty and the commodification of women. This anthology explores the impact of globalisation on Indian women and the struggle for gender equality. Since urban India has taken the initial benefit and brunt of globalisation, the focus here is on urban women, particularly from the educated middle class. The two dozen essays in this book offer insights into: Gender identity, gender relations and conceptions of women. Violence against women and conflict resolution. Women and the media.  Neo-liberal globalisation, from beauty pageants to working conditions. Women and information and communication technologies. Politics and women’s political participation.  ‘Women’s work is never done,’ said an African women’s rights activist, ‘Feminists’ work will never ever be done.’ This book reminds us that the road to the complete empowerment of women in India is still a long one. Contemporary in appeal, though connected with the past, this book will be of interest to those in the fields of women’s studies, social activism, politics, sociology, psychology, information and communication technologies, and media studies.