This unit explores the roles of women today and the possible effects of social, political, and economic equality for women on students' personal lives, the nation, and the world. Thirteen activities are designed to help secondary students develop an understanding of the status of women in U.S. society as compared with other cultures. These activities show how toys and books promote sex stereotyping for children, and how advertising and merchandising techniques promote images of the housewife versus the working man. Students are encouraged to ask grandparents about their life-styles, compared with current styles. Readings and statistical charts show how women's legal rights and literacy vary among countries. Nine additional activities focus on women as significant factors in the world population. Activities include readings which illustrate the childbearing attitudes of women as the result of social pressures. For instance, career opportunities in the United States encourage women to have few children, but in developing countries large families are regarded as economic assets. In view of differing social roles of women in various countries, students assess their opinions about population control. (AV)