Book excerpt: This book describes the status of women in the former German Democratic Republic, and their transition from a socialist (communist) economy to the capitalist free market system of united Germany. Women After Communism outlines the provisions which East Germany's socialist regime made for integrating women into the workplace, and also describes women's losses with the collapse of socialism, abortion rights, and secure employment. The comprehensive background of Women After Communism is complemented by the inclusion of provocative personal narratives.