The explanation for this phenomenon is by no means simple, and the author traverses a complex argument beginning with the "late" industrialization of both countries, followed by long periods of military rule and excesses of nationalism in both that until relatively recently subordinated women to state-sponsored goals of rapid development and national unity, to the situation today where, at least in Korea, the role of women in politics is growing rapidly. Her account is based on numerous interviews in Korea and Japan, a deft use of public opinion polls, and a wide comparative reading in the literature on the history and politics of both countries. After examining a host of theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding the role of women in politics, she combines an historical analysis with an examination of patriarchal culture in Japan and Korea, and then scrutinizes the way in which the two respective political systems have both formal and informal mechanisms that militate against women's participation. Furthermore at many points in the text she makes comparative judgments concerning women's participation in Europe and the United States.

Acknowledgments
Preface by Bruce Cumings
1. Introduction
2. Nationalism and Feminism
3. Political Institutions and Cultural Operations
4. Selection and Recruitment of Candidates
5. Women, Political Aliens and Grassroots Movements
6. Conclusion
Appendixes
Bibliography
Index