As is the case with many minority groups, Western media portrayals of Asian women are often based on negative stereotypes. Erroneous, but accepted, images of this group—a result of cultural misperceptions, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with Eastern-based customs—permeate our society. Regardless, women have played an essential role throughout history, and female achievements fill Asia’s past.
All around the world, women’s important role in history has only recently been acknowledged. Asia is no exception. Despite a long record of achievements, women’s experiences in South, Southeast, and East Asia go largely untold. This compelling book looks at women’s lives in contemporary Asia, and reviews the cultural similarities—and differences—in the patterns and experiences of women across various regions.
Women’s Roles in Asia examines the full scope of women’s lives throughout history, including specific topics such as education, family life, marriage and childbearing, religion, public life, economics, legal status, and literature and the arts. A timeline and introduction provide a backdrop to the events, achievements, and issues that have impacted Asian women from pre-colonial time to the present day.
