As India strives to improve overall social and economic conditions and gender relations through policies such as the abolishment of dowry, increasing the legal age at marriage, and promoting educational opportunities for girls, serious challenges remain, especially in rural areas. Gender Equality and Inequality in Rural India focuses on the extent to which economic development has resulted in positive changes in women's empowerment and reproductive health, as well as in sex preference. Based on a study from a village in Maharashtra where impressive gains in economic development have occurred in recent decades, Carol Vlassoff examines the impact of son preference on fertility and rural women's economic empowerment and other aspects of reproductive behavior. She provides evidence of the added value of their employment beyond the traditional wage labor and domestic spheres, and argues that policies aimed at closing gender gaps in social inequalities must be complemented by policies fostering employment opportunities for women. While many studies have demonstrated the importance of social empowerment for improved reproductive health, this is the first to separate out the differential effects of social and economic factors. This work goes even further than economic arguments by demonstrating, on the basis of a robust statistical analysis, that women's education and their professional labor force participation contribute to better health and wellbeing of rural society, including through reductions in fertility, son preference, and infant and child mortality.

As India strives to improve overall social and economic conditions and gender relations through policies such as the abolishment of dowry, increasing the legal age at marriage, and promoting educational opportunities for girls, serious challenges remain, especially in rural areas. Gender Equality and Inequality in Rural India focuses on the extent to which economic development has resulted in positive changes in women's empowerment and reproductive health, as well as in sex preference. Based on a study from a village in Maharashtra where impressive gains in economic development have occurred in recent decades, Carol Vlassoff examines the impact of son preference on fertility and rural women's economic empowerment and other aspects of reproductive behavior. She provides evidence of the added value of their employment beyond the traditional wage labor and domestic spheres, and argues that policies aimed at closing gender gaps in social inequalities must be complemented by policies fostering employment opportunities for women. While many studies have demonstrated the importance of social empowerment for improved reproductive health, this is the first to separate out the differential effects of social and economic factors. This work goes even further than economic arguments by demonstrating, on the basis of a robust statistical analysis, that women's education and their professional labor force participation contribute to better health and wellbeing of rural society, including through reductions in fertility, son preference, and infant and child mortality.

The status of women is how the society perceives a women and not what it should be. Women at every stage are deprived of opportunities because of their sexuality. This book is a small step towards the realization of the fragrance called woman and to accept the Kasturithat is the inherent qualityof a woman. India is our motherland and we belong to it. It is high time that we learn to give our women respect and treat them with dignity they deserve. Women are the pillars of any society and the foundation stone of any family. Now they should be accepted as such with all their innate abilities, talents, qualitiesand more than that as 'Women' - a wonderful creation blessed with the power of creation and the power to reproduce and replicate. I hope any small step towards the realization of this concept would bealong step in changing the mindset of all our self-acclaimed social gurus and custodians of dharma and fatwas in treating women as equal partners in the growth of the nation, family and children – an asset which cannot be treated lightly. Gender Inequality In India by Mamta Mahrotra: "Gender Inequality In India: Challenging Social Norms" is a thought-provoking book by Mamta Mahrotra that critically examines the issue of gender inequality in India. Drawing on research, case studies, and personal narratives, the book sheds light on the systemic barriers, social norms, and cultural biases that perpetuate gender disparities. It calls for collective action and societal transformation to achieve gender equality and empower women. Key Aspects of the Book "Gender Inequality In India: Challenging Social Norms": Systemic Analysis: "Gender Inequality In India" provides a systemic analysis of the factors contributing to gender inequality. It explores social, economic, and political dimensions, dissecting the patriarchal structures, gender roles, and discriminatory practices that hinder women's progress and perpetuate inequality. Case Studies and Personal Narratives: The book incorporates case studies and personal narratives that highlight the lived experiences of women affected by gender inequality. These stories bring a human face to the issue, fostering empathy and understanding while illustrating the diverse challenges faced by women in different spheres of life. Call for Transformation: "Gender Inequality In India" advocates for societal transformation to challenge and overcome gender disparities. It emphasizes the importance of collective action, policy reforms, and changing cultural attitudes to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The book aims to inspire readers to actively participate in the movement for gender equality. Mamta Mahrotra, a passionate advocate for gender equality, delves into the complex issue of gender inequality in "Gender Inequality In India: Challenging Social Norms." With a deep understanding of the social, cultural, and systemic factors at play, Mahrotra presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges faced by women in India. Her book serves as a call to action, urging readers to confront and dismantle the barriers that perpetuate gender inequality. "Gender Inequality In India" invites individuals, policymakers, and society at large to work together towards creating a more just and inclusive world, where women have equal opportunities and their rights are fully realized. Q

Gender Equality in Rural India focuses on son preference and the extent to which economic development has resulted in positive changes in women's empowerment and reproductive health.

Raising awareness among stakeholders and institutions to recognise the importance of gender inequality throughout the world and its various implications – especially on education and health – Gender Inequality and its Implications on Education and Health provides strategies to achieve gender equality.

This original conceptualization provides insights into the role of inequality in the processes of change in rural India. It presents in-depth analyses and understanding of the nature and form of inequality, and its causes and consequences. The volume examines interpersonal, intergroup, and intrapersonal inequalities in the country’s rural transformation. Through research based on ethnographic, primary survey and secondary data methods, this multidimensional study discusses key themes such as normative and descriptive inequalities; class, caste and other identities; economic poverty; educational poverty; poverty in health; gendered poverty; inequality and power; the impact of migration; ethical issues and vulnerabilities; and suicidal consequences of inequality. It builds cohesive arguments, based on the development of several new indicators, to examine rural inequality. This book will be of interest to scholars and researchers of political economy, economics, development studies, development economics, sociology, public policy, political science, political sociology, and rural sociology.