It is well known that the female work force has played a large part in the Asian 'export miracle.' Yet their role has commonly been depicted as confined to sweat shops and tea houses. This book examines the bigger picture regarding women in the labour market and how this has been changing in the course of development and industrialisation. Drawing on labour force survey data from across the continent, the book includes studies on India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Written in an accessible style and with the key issues amply supported by up-to-date quantitative data, Women and Industrialisation in Asia produces some surprising results and dispels some common myths regarding the position of female workers in the region.