10297. THE CHANGING STATUS OF WOMEN IN THE MUSLIM MIDDLE EAST. This paper presents an overview and analysis of the changing status of women in the Islamic countries of the Middle East with a focus on the developments since 1955. An overview of traditional Islamic sex roles and the way in which they differ from traditional Western views is presented as a basis for understanding the changes in women's status. The analysis looks at the changing status of women as evidenced by changes in women's educational status, employment status, and alterations in family and social roles. 14p., 20f., 16b.