Suchergebnisse

A discussion of the role of women in Soka Gakkai notes that the women's division was established in 1940, & the first women's division leaders' meeting was held in 1951, shortly after formation of a new organizational structure. The changing roles & functions of the women's division are described, along with the impact of important leaders like Yasu Kashiwabara, who was able to inspire women to gain confidence & recognize their capabilities. It is maintained that the women within Soka Gakkai have consistently strengthened solidarity among themselves by taking control of their lives. The impact of Soka Gakkai's entry into politics & the increase in working women in Japan are discussed, along with the establishment of both an international women's division & a women's peace committee. It is contended that the women's division has reflected changes in Japanese society while retaining the spiritual & moral support afforded by Buddhism. Other issues addressed include problems stemming from Japan's gender structure, the relationship of women in Soka Gakkai with women's liberation movements, & prospects for the future. J. Lindroth

The aim of a 1951 London conference of a commission of the Int Polit Sci Assoc in discussing 17 reports from 15 nations on the political role of women was to 'provide a preliminary survey of the problem which could serve as a basis for a more detailed investigation' In Norway, France, Yugoslavia and the Federal Republic of Germany to be undertaken by UNESCO during 1952-53. The discussion presented was first oriented to the following working hypotheses put forward by Mr. Duverger: (1) more women than men are non-voters; (2) women vote less consistently than men; & (3) women tend to vote for the more conservative parties than men. Other topics presented are: (1) women's part in electioneering; (2) the extent of special party appeals to women; (3) the numerical importance of women as candidates and members of Parliament and of Government; (4) party attitudes to women's participation in legislation and government; (5) the influence of electoral systems on women's representation in Parliament; (6) the extent of women's direct and indirect influence on national political life; (7) the influence of domestic ties; & (8) psychol and financial obstacles to women's participation. Mr. Duverger suggested that serious study of these questions would be facilitated by the institution of separate ballots for men and women. D. Wolsk.

With major events including the European Economic Community, German unification and the fall of the former Soviet Union, there is an increased reality of a large united Europe. With these societal and political changes comes change in the role of women. As the number of women entering the labour market increases, the effect of job equality must be investigated. Examines the role of women in the European workforce. Discusses areas such as promotion, mentoring, education, compensation and reform recommendations. Shows that four key economic, demographic, and organizational trends are creating positive effects for women in the European labour force.

Women have been under privileged due to Indian social system- the labor and contribution of women in balancing work and life are a challenging one- the traditional misconceptions force the set-up in refusing women in all respects- wage payments and other entitlements have unjustly denied to them aided by pre conceived notions. Poor educational opportunities remain the curse for women in asserting their roles in getting primacy in sharing the fruits of their labor. Still, of late, things have started improving owing to some positive policy pronouncements from the government.

During the next century, societies will have to plan their populations along with other national resources. The success of this objective will depend, in large part, on the reproductive ambitions of women and the availability of effec tive substitutes for maternity. These broad developments will necessitate a reorganization of national priorities, as well as changes in family, household and work patterns. Among the foreseeable consequences are: reduced occupational sex typing, lessened emphasis on marriage and maternity as su preme goals for women and greater participation of women in all spheres of the labor force. As a result, we must expect and prepare for both new forms of socialization and self- images by gender. Concluding the paper are suggestions for steps society might take to help ease the transition into the new era.

An analysis of the current Indian religious situation re­- veals that India is plagued with religious fundamentalism and com- munalism. Religion is politicized and is experienced as a diabolic force, rather than a symbolic revelation. The patriarchal paradigm propagated by Hindutva cannot be dismantled without collabora-­ tion and dialogue. We need both 'sexually awakened' men and women of all religious traditions to join hands in this common war against the enemies of humanity. Together, we people of good will in India, could search for a "new anthropology" - a new way of under­ standing what it means to be human in an age which is bent on creating a myth of dehumanization.

In Indian context