Women and Politics in the Third World

Women and Politics in the Third World provides a feminist analytical perspective on the specific forms of resistance, organisation and negotiation by women in Third World States. Using case studies, the book focuses on difference as a theoretical basis for investigating feminine political activism, arguing that Western analysts have attributed weakness to terms such as motherhood, marriage and domesticity as choices made by non-western women, they show that such strategies are used by women to pursue particular goals such as seeking resources, welfare or freedom from oppression for their children. These strategies, the book suggests, should not be classified as unimportant or temporary and can be highly effective even within such discourses as Islamic fundamentalism. The contributors to this volume have embarked on an innovatory path which higlights differing political approaches in regions as diverse as Latin America, South East Asia, China and the Middle East. It will provide a real insight for students wishing to understand the diversities and complexities of women's political participation in these areas.