Despite the vast difference between first and third world societies, the subordination of women to men seems to be a universal fact. Originally published in 1984, the chapters in this book look specifically at the marital bond/contract, and locate the subordination of women in terms of that contract.

Preface to the Second Edition. Introduction: The Continuing Subordination of Women in the Development Process Ruth Pearson, Ann Whitehead and Kate Young Part 1: Labour and Subordination Under Capitalism and Socialism 1. Gender and Economics: The Sexual Division of Labour and the Subordination of Women Maureen Mackintosh 2. The Subordination of Women and the Internationalisation of Factory Production Diane Elson and Ruth Pearson 3. Subsistence Production and Extended Reproduction Veronika Bennholdt-Thomsen 4. Women in Socialist Societies: Problems of Theory and Practice Maxine Molyneux Part 2: Household Politics, the Market and Subordination 5. ‘I’m Hungry, Mum’: The Politics of Domestic Budgeting Ann Whitehead 6. Work, Consumption and Authority Within the Household: A Moroccan Case Vanessa Maher 7. Households as Natural Units Olivia Harris Part 3: Marriage, Kinship and Sexual Subordination 8. Women’s Labours: The Naturalisation of Social Inequality and Women’s Subordination Verena Stolke 9. Women, Kinship and Capitalist Development Maila Stivens 10. Sexuality and Control of Procreation Mirjana Morokvasić. Bibliography. Notes on Contributors. Index.

Reviews for the 1984 edition:‘An exciting and important contribution to the International Feminist Debate’ Judy Kimble, South‘The articles are all closely argued, well researched and make the point very clearly that one dimensional explanations of women’s subordination are inadequate. With its extensive bibliography it will become a valuable resource for people working in this area and for women’s studies courses.’ Ros Morpeth, Spare Rib‘Should appear high on lists of recommended reading for many years to come.’ Chris Middleton, Marxism Today