State University of New York Press The Structure and Agency of Women's Education

This collection examines the educational policies, programs, and practices that offer and/or deny adolescent girls and young women the opportunity for change and advancement, from both comparative and international perspectives. Grounded in social and feminist theory, the essays focus on the dynamic interaction between agency and structure. The first part of the book outlines fundamental principles of public policy and provides examples of their application. Part two explores, within the context of globalization, the impact of international organizations--large and small--on the local level. Part three looks at the influence of sociocultural forces on women's ability to participate in educational programs. Part four proffers innovative methodologies that demonstrate how the agency of voice within the structure of the research setting ultimately furthers our understanding of women's education. Throughout the book, the complexities in delivering and improving education for females in India, China, Kenya, the United States, and other parts of the world are revealed.