This insightful book examines women's lives across Asia, challenging typical stereotypes and providing a fresh look at the changing role of women in various regions of the vast continent.

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.

Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, is professor of anthropology at California State University, San Bernardino.

Sangita Rayamajhi, PhD, is professor of literature and women's studies at the Central Department of English, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, and instructor of Asian and world literature at the Asian University for Women in Bangladesh.