Changes in economic and social life throughout the world during the next 25 years will be closely related to changes in the status and roles of women. In this book the author examines how women's roles are changing and the impact of this change on economic and social patterns. Chapter I identifies areas in which women have already gained increased responsibility and involvement, and states two reasons for the support of women's rights. The reasons are that (1) major socioeconomics problems cannot be ultimately resolved without women's participation, and (2) equality between men and women is an integral part of the foundation for a just society. Chapters II through IX explore women's concerns in areas of legal status, education, health, mass media, politics, work, and family life. Among the topics examined are the underestimation of women's economic contributions, effects of birth control on women's health, the increase in numbers of households headed by women, and the gap between women's formal political rights and their real exercise of political power. Chapter X summarizes the need for change in attitudes toward women as well as in concrete opportunities for more involvement by women. Although some societies are already more progressive than others in recognizing women's rights, more growth must be made on all fronts. (AV)