Synopsis "Gender asymmetry is a universal fact of life. In many societies across the world, women are discriminated against by law and by customs, rendering them among the vulnerable and disadvantaged social groups. Feminism, being obliquely an effect of the darker side of modernity, cannot, within this civilization, realize the truth except by struggling against modernity itself which is its matrix. While gender is at the centre, the issues discussed in this volume range from modernity to empowerment. The volume presents the women issues in their holistic perspective underlying and highlighting the dilemmas of women development. Besides, it also offers a competent critique of models of feminism providing critical perspectives demanding attention of experts of women studies. The issues discussed in the book have become increasingly important over the years. The volume will benefit the social scientists, social activists, researchers and government functionaries alike."