Women's Rights: An International Perspective

THESIS

To best improve the condition of women it is important to look at cross-cultural and national studies to see trends regarding suffrage and women's roles in society.

I.

Industrialization in developing countries causes changes in societal acceptance of women's equality (Miller 153).

A. A study done on populations in India Bangladesh, Israel, Nigeria, Argentina, and Chile showed trends in two beliefs among male industrial workers including the "belief in independence of the individual from the extended family" and a rise in acceptance of women's rights outside the home (Miller 153).

B. To do this study, Interviews were taken with male industrial workers in 6 countries

C. The data from these questions were analyzed using statistics and different factors of industrialization were isolated.

II.

Changing culture and making people aware of the abuses women face is the only way we can create equality for women worldwide (Shuler 371).

A. Women's organizations use international awareness to bring light to their cause (Shuler 371).

B. This book thoroughly discusses the types of abuses women face around the world and documents them as well as women's rights organizations in 13 different countries (Shuler 371).

III.

While changes in economic opportunities are making progress for women in developing countries, reformers need to work harder to bring awareness to culturally and socially sanctioned abuses and victimization of women.

Works Cited

Miller, Karen A. "The Effects of Industrialization on Men's Attitudes toward the Extended Family and Women's Rights: A Cross-National Study." Journal of Marriage and Family 46.1 (1984): 153-160. Print.

Schuler, Margaret. Freedom from violence: women's strategies from around the world. New York, NY (Widbooks, P.O. Box 20109, Dag Hammarskjold Convenience Center, New York 10017): OEF International: 1992. To see abstract: http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/19936716159.html