15/07/2009

Synopsis

With Jenni Murray.

New figures from the Country Landowners' Association suggest that confidence is returning to parts of the rural economy. Tourism is doing well because of the weakness of the pound and land values are holding their own. But how are farmers getting on? Jenni Murray is joined by two women - one a sheep farmer from Cornwall and the other a Yorkshire dairy farmer - to discuss whether people in rural areas are more adept at weathering economic downturns than those in other sectors.

Iain Duncan Smith has called for a radical shake-up of the family law system. One thing he proposed was US-style parenting classes for divorcing couples, which are currently being piloted in six areas of the UK. Woman's Hour hears from people who have attended a 'Parenting after Parting' workshop and Jenni discusses the likelihood of the classes taking off in this country.

Did feminism fail 'ordinary' women? Former editor of Guardian Women, Jane McLoughlin, has put forward the argument that the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s made no impact on women's lives. She discusses her theory with the writer and activist Julie Bindel.

Broadcast

1. Wed 15 Jul 2009
   10:00
   BBC Radio 4