本文試圖通文獻、統計及口頭訪問資料，來說明婦女內外兼顧的雙重角色是台灣 能在競爭激烈的世界經濟體系裡占一席地的必要條件。我們認為，在60、70年代，台灣經濟 成長的過程中，父權體系與資本主義透過家庭結構、產業組織和政府政策，強化了對婦女勞 動力的剝削。婦女變成了低酬甚至無酬的生產勞動者；在家裡她們繼續擔任無酬家務勞動者 和家庭勞動者的角色。政府在這一期間，刻意的塑造婦女雙重角色的形象，配合當時對彈性 勞動力特別需要的經濟形成。

　　　　　This paper draws on the insights of development studies, feminist studies, and studies of the role of the state. We attempt to demonstrate, through analyses of government documents, statistics, and field work, what as patriarchy and capitalism have penetrated the family, enterprises, and the state in Taiwan they promoted the exploitation of women as low-waged and unwaged income generating workers, and as unwaged domestic workers responsible for the reproduction of labor and for care of the elderly. The twin ideologies that dominate state and society alike actively promote "the double burden" as an acceptable and even aspired to woman's role in the service of national development. This role, in turn, is a necessary though not sufficient condition for Taiwan's economic advancement in a competitive world system.