The Second Sex in Town

Abstract

Evaluating and integrating the available information assessment of the position of women in the fast growing towns of Subsaharan Africa is made. Changes that affect the position of women in Subsaharan Africa are discussed in an attempt to evaluate the impact of these changes in the urban setting. Then the 2 themes of opportunities for economic independence of urban women and the urban family are discussed followed by a short discussion of the policy implications of sex descrimination and occupation. Western ideology has been a potent factor in changing the position of women in much of Subsaharan Africa and women have found new aspirations. In addition the spread of modern methods of contraception is probably a major factor for change in the position of women since the possibility of effective birth control gives women the prospect of greater power over their futures and most important to the extent that family size is effectively reduced women will be less bound by home and children and in a better position to pursue career opportunities. There appears to be general agreement that women are better off in town that in rural areas and increasing numbers of women do find economic independence in town with the most striking developments occuring in commerce. Also whatever their views many men who want a woman to live permanently with them in town have to accept that she will gain a degree of economic independence since their earnings are insufficient to support a family in urban conditions. As a result sex discrimination in the urban setting carries high costs. It fosters the separation of families and/or leads to an increased demand for a costly urban infrastructure.