|
|
|
PDF
|
|
Type:
|
Conference Paper |
|
Author:
|
Nansereko, S. C. |
|
Conference:
|
Sustaining Commons: Sustaining Our Future, the Thirteenth Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of the Commons |
|
Location:
|
Hyderabad, India |
|
Conf. Date:
|
January 10-14 |
|
Date:
|
2011 |
|
URI:
|
https://hdl.handle.net/10535/7256
|
|
Sector:
|
Social Organization |
|
Region:
|
Middle East & South Asia |
|
Subject(s):
|
gender
valuation
forest products
livelihoods
|
|
Abstract:
|
"Although gender is imperative; a gender dimension is often lacking when analysing
value chains of most forest commodities. Furniture making is labour-intensive involving
a long array of network of activities. Indisputably; those interconnected activities are
conducted within the prevailing gendered environment. Furniture making is a mainstay
of most inhabitants in Jepara but the intense local competition has compromised the
profitability of this industry. Thus it is crucial to find ways for upgrading if the livelihoods
of the dependents are to be improved as well as the industry’s contribution to national
economic growth optimized. This study provides insights on the prevailing gender
relations and how such relations can be improved and harnessed to enhance the
economic competitiveness of the furniture industry in Jepara; central Java in Indonesia.
Such knowledge complements the development of comprehensive scenarios for further
upgrading of furniture industry in Jepara particularly and other developing areas with
similar issues. Based on 139 observations; the study reveals that both males and
females are actively involved in furniture making conducting mainly primary and support
activities respectively. However; more males than females are engaged. Furthermore;
although both male and female workers’ skills are lacking; females’ skills may be much
poorer. This skill gap between males and females in Jepara furniture industry affects
considerably their respective returns to labour. Additionally; women’s active involvement
is further constrained by socio-cultural environment that dictates gender and the
resultant family power relations. Both male and female skills can be enabled in order to
achieve cost and differentiation advantages respectively but for women to increasingly
and effectively get involved; the socio-cultural environment needs to be revised first.
Meanwhile the women’s subordinate position can be taken advantage of to enhance
economic rents."
|