The Asian Gender Divergence

The podcast highlights the divergence between East and South Asian women's empowerment. East Asia, including Singapore, overcame the 'patrilineal trap' through rapid industrialization and the exploitation of female labor. This led to increased economic opportunities, migration to cities, and greater freedom for women. In contrast, South Asia's slower and weaker structural transformation has perpetuated traditional gender roles and restrictions on female mobility. While some South Indian women aspire to break free from these constraints, safety and further structural changes are necessary to realize their ambitions.