This study emphasizes the need for relativistic theories and differentiated social strategies which may be sensitive to the realities of different societies. The book is about a variety of efforts to help women overcome constraints imposed upon them by a network of social relationships, attitudes of men and gaps in social policy. Such attempts have consisted of an unrelenting demand for structural changes, regenerative efforts and involvement of women in participatory processes within newly created economic and political institutions. These have set in motion a gradual change in gender relationships. The book criticizes general theories which ignore racial and cultural differences and argues that gender relationships will change only when women seek their own self-development. Geeta Somjee has spent several years doing longitudinal field research in rural and urban India.