This study examines urban expansion in the traditionally agricultural areas of Pakistan's Punjab and its effect on the gender-role function of rural women. Extension of industrial and urban-based activity into Punjab's periphery creates a buffering zone that resides between the two economically differing regions. This mediating area features an inter-mixed economy, including established farming practices and urban-related employment. Hitherto, rural Punjab women exist as an invisible factor to family income, functioning primarily in domestic roles and as farming aides. This study evaluates the socio-economic transitions of rural Punjab women in reaction to the urbanization of rural areas.

  Download 1.50 €

In many parts of India, neither the quantity nor the quality of drinking water supplied to the public comply with required standards. In addition there are vast disparities between different regions and communities. Whereas some parts of India receive high amounts of precipitation and enjoy considerable quantities of surface and ground water, such resources are scarce in other parts. Huge differences in supply often exist in neighboring communities. Whereas inhabitants of central Mumbai and Pune enjoy about 240 liters of water per day, people living on the cities' fringes or in other towns in Maharashtra state sometimes receive only 50 liters or less per day.

  Download 2.50 €

Libya has been trying to expand tourism as an important branch of economic activity. The official policy of 2tourism solely designed for the culture-minded2 is accompanied by the rejection of Western style mass tourism such as found in other major destinations of northern Africa. A standard type of tourism controlled by tour guides has developed, supported by the country's world heritage sites. Today tourism in Libya is characterised by a clearly established pattern of itineraries.

  Download 1.50 €

The city of Detroit, situated in the heartland of Michigan, also known as Motor City, has become a symbol of urban decay in the USA. From here the worldwide and triumphal procession of the car started, but it was also this town which suffered most from the ambiguity of the 20th century automotive paradigm. The rapid rise was followed by an even more rapid fall. Nowadays the city and its leaders are struggling to change the structure, the shape and the image of the city and to revitalize its inner city district.

  Download 2.50 €

Los Angeles is probably the world's best-researched city. It is a paradigmatic place where major features of the 21st century U.S. cities have become manifest. The dynamic development of Greater Los Angeles is mirrored in the changes of its population and its economy. Waves of immigration, population losses by domestic migration and ethnic variety are as much a feature of this process as are economic restructuring and globalization. Decentralizing population and strong socio-economic polarization have created a new type of post-suburban landscape.

  Download 2.50 €

In little over a decade, Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, has transformed the supermarket industry in Mexico. This "supermarket revolution" has had profound consequences for domestic firms, which have transformed their business practices in order to compete more successfully. In turn, millions of Mexican households have benefited from better service, greater variety, and more competitive prices. However, the implications of the "supermarket revolution" extend far beyond consumers to workers, suppliers, traditional retailers and the country's informal economy.

  Download 2.50 €