THE PAST IS ANOTHER COUNTRY - HONG-KONG WOMEN IN TRANSITION

Women in both Hong Kong and China have inherited the legacy of traditi onal values that severely discriminated against women compared to men. In terms of legal protections, women in mainland China enjoy an advan tage. In real terms, Hong Kong women do better, as is shown in relatio n to education and work. Relocation of factories to Guangdong has crea ted unemployment among older, less educated women in Hong Kong and has created opportunities for younger women in China-at some risk to thei r safety, as overseas Chinese businessmen ignore industrial safety reg ulations. There has been little renegotiation in family responsibiliti es, although many Hong Kong women work. Increasingly, families are emp loying a Filipina domestic helper, but this has only reinforced the co ncept of the traditional female domestic role. Relocation of Hong Kong businesses over the border has placed additional strains on marriage, as Hong Kong men establish second families in China.