Fusing aesthetic and economic perspectives in exploring the lives and work of women in the Lucknow, India embroidery industry, this book offers insights into anthropology of work and women's studies.

Richly descriptive and accessibly written, this book explores many important issues in women's studies, anthropology, and urban development today -- the impact of purdah (seclusion of women) upon women's work and occupational opportunities, the key role of subcontractors in home-based industry, the need to understand a handicraft from its makers' point of view, and the role of development agencies and programs.