ABSTRACT
Western women have sought explanations for their subordinate position in the evolution and history of human societies by comparing the position of women in pre-industrial cultures or those which have developed along different lines. The United Nations Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs points out that to most economists, third world women are invisible. Even in societies where women are secluded, their vital role in processing agricultural products is coming to be recognized. It will be evident that in areas which have traditionally interested anthropologists, such as marriage customs and social structure, a good deal of information on women is already available. Statistical data on unemployment and underemployment mask the fact that Asian women work long, hard hours at any task which will bring a return, however meagre--and it is often very meagre. Underemployment and unemployment do not mean idleness.
