A world of widows

Sample

Nalini Visvanathan (co-ordinator

Third World women were long the undervalued and ignored actors in the development process but are now recognized as playing a critical role. This book has been designed as a comprehensive reader presenting the best of the now vast body of literature that has grown up alongside this acknowledgement. The book is divided into five parts, incorporating readings from the leading experts and authorities in each field. The first part acts as an introduction to the field, examining the key theoretical debates and discourses surrounding women and development from a historical perspective. Distinguished practitioners explore the ideas and concepts fundamental for understanding the area: class, ‘race’ and ethnicity, religion, reproduction, persistent inequalities, colonialism, modernization, economic exclusion and patriarchy.^ Part two goes on to look at the household as a unit of analysis exploring sexuality, single-parent families, agricultural production, and environmental relationships while the third part locates women within the global economy, addressing issues such as industrialization, multi-national companies, Free Trade Zones , the informal sector and the feminization of labour. Part four views the social transformation of women as a consequence of Structural Adjustment Policies and intrusive state policies into women’s health, reproductive rights and sexuality. Next, the volume poses the fundamental questions around women and ideology do national liberation struggles contradict with feminist movements? What is the impact of religious fundamentalism? Are socialist development processes similar or dissimilar to capitalist processes? How has the transition to capitalism affected women? The final section of the book shows how women from the ground up are organizing themselves for change.^ Case studies drawn from all regions, such as China’s one-child policy, prostitution tourism in Southeast Asia and women’s place in Cuban socialism, vividly illustrate the theoretical debates. A guide to further reading at the end of each chapter provides a foundation for any serious student of women in the development process. -- Publisher description.

Sample

Yukio Noguchi and David A. Wise

Japanese and American economists assess the present economic status of the elderly in the United States and Japan, and consider the impact of an aging population on the economies of the two countries. With essays on labor force participation and retirement, housing equity and the economic status of the elderly, budget implications of an aging population, and financing social security and health care in the 1990s, this volume covers a broad spectrum of issues related to the economics of aging. Among the book's findings are that workers are retiring at an increasingly earlier age in both countries. In addition, as the populations age, baby boomers in the United States will face diminishing financial resources as the ratio of retirees to workers sharply increases. The result of a joint venture between the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Japan Center for Economic Research, this book complements Housing Markets in the United States and Japan (1994) by integrating research on housing markets with economic issues of the aged in the United States and Japan.

Sample

Sarah Richardson

"From Sidelines to Start Lines is for former runners who are feeling frustrated and like frauds for sitting on the couch or behind the computer for far too many days (or years). If you want to get back into running to improve your health, your social life, and your sanity, this book is for you. When you clarify what has really been holding you back and keeping you from logging your miles, you will be free to train effectively for any race and victoriously cross any finish line. Drawing from her own experience as a runner who had to overcome a four-year hiatus and her work with running clients, Sarah Richardson carefully explains what it takes to successfully re-create healthy running habits in your busy life. While training plans and books about running are easy to come by, From Sidelines to Start Lines takes it a step further. Rather than just telling you what you should do, what you should buy, and how far to run, Sarah Richardson helps frustrated runners deal with the Inner Game that often keeps people sidelined. She teaches you how to lay a solid running foundation with four supportive pillars that will create a joyful, personal, and sustainable running plan. With practical activities and real-life examples, this book will teach you how to commit to rather than resist your practice."--Amazon.com.

Sample

Ester R. Shapiro

Grief as a Family Process draws on many sources, such as developmental psychology, psychoanalytic and family systems theory, and cultural anthropology. Using examples from a wide variety of cultural traditions, this book argues for a transformation of attachment to, instead of detachment from, the deceased family member to sustain and enhance family development.