Interviews were conducted with 244 women teaching in universities in Finland, France, East Germany, West Germany, and Great Britain to discover causes for the minority position of women who teach in universities. Women's position appeared to depend not on characteristics of individual educational systems but on common factors--social attitudes,…

Examines the relationship between education and women's economic role and compares the characteristics of females' and males' education and employment. Concludes that sex role stereotypes and inequalities suffered by women are diminishing under the pressure of social forces. Uses the experience of Greek women to illustrate obstacles. (JHZ)