First published in 1998, this volume takes an international approach to women’s evolving perspectives on self-employment, with a particular focus on women in India. Author Uschi Kraus-Harper draws on ten years of research and interviews, visits and observations, gathering women’s stories from around the world. This book deeply explores women’s situations, empowerment, changing perceptions of enterprise, the effects of poverty and gender and what success really means. It is about poor women and their relation to self-employment. It is also about why change has come to some women and not to others.

This study is about women, and whether they see self-employment and enterprise as desirable, feasible solutions to their economic and social difficulties. It shows how women have five types of inclination to self-employment and analyses social and economic factors that influenced these perceptions.

Contributed articles on microfinance and small business in India.

This is a study of social change in the Middle East and Gulf area which examines specifically the impact on women's role and status, their responses to change and their involvement in its processes. Gender constructions during periods of political and social change are discussed. The changing and variable status of women in the Middle East is examined comparatively, emphasising the factors that best explain the differences in women's status accross the region and over time. The study is interdisciplinary covering economic development, industrialization, ethnic and gender issues, social structure and education, politics and state policy.

In Indian context.

This Collection Of Articles On Gender Issues And Their Direct Bearing On National Life Covers Topics Such As Marriage, Family, Politics, Religion.