"Drawing from examples in the West (Europe and North America), countries in transition (Russia) and the developing world (Latin America), the authors argue that economic development and political change have a complex impact on women's status as citizens. Through the examination of a range of situations (legal, political, environmental and historical) in these places, underlying similarities and dissonances between women from diverse backgrounds are established. The book demonstrates how citizenship gains that women have made have been achieved largely despite, rather than because of, existing political structures. The authors celebrate these gains while cautioning against an assumption of linear progress towards equality and full citizenship."--Jacket.