Gender and the Political Economy of Development (ePub)

"Rai subjects the projects of both national development and
globalization to searching scrutiny through a gender lens. Her
emphasis on the intersection of gender and other forms of
inequality is very timely. An excellent text for a wide range of
courses in politics, sociology and development studies."

--Diane Elson, University of Essex

Shirin Rai pushes us to rethink development. She brings us to
ear a feminist analysis that grows out of her nuanced understanding
of both China's and India's gendered experience. Readers will
find fresh ideas and sharp caveats about how patriarchy is
sustained and fought over globally.

--Cynthia Enloe, Clark University

This important book ranges across contemporary debates in the
study of gender and political economy. It situates differing
gender-based theories in the context of wider political and
historical processes such as colonialism, post-colonialism, Cold
War politics, the New World Order, globalization and
democratization.

Shirin Rai focuses on the gendered nature of the political
economy of development, and the shifts that have occurred as
economies and states have moved from a development process that is
state-focused to one that is clearly framed by globalization.
Differences between men and women, and differences between women in
contrasting social and geographical positions, are explored in
relation to their influence on political practice. Rai considers
how the structures of economic and political power frame men and
women and examines the consequences of these gendered positionings.
She makes important connections between the political narratives of
different levels of governance and examines the discourse of
empowerment at these different levels.

The book concludes by reflecting on the way men and women are
coping with the challenges of globalization and argues that women's
movements need to re-establish the link between the recognition of
difference and the redistribution of economic and social resources
if they are to maintain their radical edge.

This will be essential reading for undergraduates and graduates
in politics, development studies and gender studies.