Scrutiny and control of women's sexuality and women's reproductive role by the state are well recognized in the history of societies [Sarkar 1993]. Tribal wars over possession of women were rooted in the struggle for survival of the tribe itself.

The relationship between society and nature is an old one. It might be better to say that this relationship is ancient.

THERE is enough evidence to show that often, development policies adopted by governments have widened the disparities amongst sections of people.