Sociology

This video explores the vitality of ancient African traditions regarding the links between life and death.

Examines the West African religious institution of trokosi, where young women are chosen to serve an indefinite period of servitude for crimes committed long ago by their grandparents and even great-grandparents.

Examines the social and political struggle of South Africa's black community today, when they must deal with the after-effects of decades of apartheid rule.

A look at working women in Latin America and their efforts to achieve equality in the home and workplace. Most combine their participation in the labor market with their family functions as mothers and wives, thus working a `double day.'

Profiles Sue Ann McKean, one of the most charismatic personalities involved in women's bodybuilding, who sees herself not as an athlete but as an artist. Amidst the controversy the sport arouses over society's notions of appropriate gender roles, McKean argues that bodybuilding for women does not diminish their femininity but develops their sense of self-sufficiency and self-assertiveness.

Examines the situation of women coal miners in the U.S., their struggle to be hired, their day-to-day lives in the mines, the economic necessity that first made them seek work as miners, and the opposition they face from their families, the community and their male coworkers.

This cinema-verite documentary examines one of America's most exclusive and enduring social traditions--the debutante ball. The film focuses on the National Debutante Cotillion at the Washington Hilton, following the preparations of Jill Schweitzer, one of the new generation of debs who see beyond the traditional ritual to the valuable career and business connections that can be made.

Puerto Rico has the highest incidence of female sterilization in the world. Over one-third of all Puerto Rican women of childbearing age have been sterilized. So common is the operation that it is simply known as ‘la operacion.' Using newsreels and excerpts from government propaganda films, plus interviews with Puerto Rican women, doctors, birth control specialists and politicians, this film explores the controversial use of sterilization as a means of population control.

Each year, an estimated 30 to 55 million women throughout the world obtain induced abortions. More than half of these abortions are illegal and an estimated 84,000 of them result in death. This cross-cultural survey shows how abortion transcends race, religion and social class, and how differences in the practice and perception of abortion are mainly in the degree of secrecy and danger accompanying it.

Interweaves the stories of six women who were profoundly affected by the choices available to them prior to the legalization of abortion. The influence of family, friends, and the prevailing sexual mores of the period are explored through each woman's discussion of her pregnancy and sense of choice.

Examines beauty pageants and the images of women they promote, allowing both pageant supporters and protestors to express their viewpoints. The film focuses on the Miss California Beauty Pageant and the emotionally charged debate that has occurred in recent years.

Offers a lively mixture of contemporary interviews and archival film footage in a thoughtful examination of the social phenomenon of the `flapper,' the provocative `New Woman' of America's Roaring '20s.