Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women, explains the World Health Organization. The distinct roles, reinforced by legal systems and religion, have historically given rise to gender inequalities not only in health care but with education and employment opportunities. Globalization has challenged the most archaic perceptions of gender roles through books, films and other media; new technologies in satellite television and the internet; policies of multinational corporations and tourism. Human rights groups reach across borders to lend support and inspiration to those in other lands; the United Nations and other international target gender equality as a major goal.

Moroccan Immigrants, Spanish Strawberries and Europe's Future

To avoid any problems associated with illegal immigration, Spain’s farmers target mothers from Morocco for harvest jobs
Daniela Gerson
May 14, 2007

No More E-6 Visas for Foreign Dancers

South Korea's new immigration law may stem the flow of possible sex workers, but not solve the problem of exploitation.
Kim Kyung-ho
February 27, 2003

Does the Prospect of Arranged Marriage and Abuse Warrant Asylum in the US?

US courts ponder whether intervention or refugee status is appropriate for women in unhappy marriages
Warren Richey
March 26, 2007

Globalization of Beauty Makes Slimness Trendy

Is beauty now determined in the eye of only one beholder?
Noritmitsu Onishi
October 3, 2002

Oh Blue-Eyed Thais, Flaunt Your Western Genes!

With entertainment increasingly featuring those of mixed ethnicity, the creation of a “global culture” has become a hot topic.
Seth Mydans
August 29, 2002