Discussion Qs

1) In the book chapter entitled "Women's Education in Developing Countries," there were many striking charts and stats. Something I found interesting was that Latin America women were relatively well-represented in the technical/vocational fields. I don't really know enough about that region to say why, however. I wonder if anyone wishes to comment on this. Also, along the same lines, why are women in other regions not well-represented?

2) In the same chapter, the authors note the importance of literacy. They stress the fact that, with retention rates often low, many female students in the developing world may not achieve functional literacy. The author alludes to the point that if the child does not achieve literacy, he/she has essentially not been educated. Do you agree?

3) In this class in the past, we've talked about how educating women definitely unlocks potential and therefore contributes to the overall productivity and wealth of a country. I thought an interesting point in the readings this week that I had not thought about was that not educating women actually limits men's potential as well. It's not only the country as a whole that suffers in uniquely financial terms, but it has a direct effect on men more specifically. Men are tied to women in many ways, and lifting up women in the areas of worker rights, productivity, and quality of life will inescapably affect men in the same areas. Everyone benefits?