Asian Women in Transitions: How Modernization Affects Their Lives.

East Asia is the region which has experienced unprecedented growth in the past few decades. This growth resulted in the increase in education opportunities and the empowerment of women. Modernization and globalization provided opportunities for many women in China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Japan. Modern Asian women can obtain higher education and gain status in their careers; they are at the crossroads between tradition and modernity. This paper provides information about the women's movements in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. Readers obtain an understanding of globalization and its impact on women's lives in these societies. It concludes that the status of women has improved dramatically over the last 30 years; but there are still obstacles that prevent women from achieving equity in political participation, equal pay, and equal share of household responsibilities. Contains a 13-item bibliography. (Author/BT)