Female-dominated informal labour sector and family (in) stability: The interface between reproduction and production
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Taylor and Francis Online
Abstract
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The achievement gender equality and the empowerment of all women
(SDG-5) could be slow considering the African traditional cultural expectation of
women on exclusive home management, and reproduction, in the face of chagrin
economic drive for family income augmentation. The study examined the nexus
between women’s role in managing the family, their traditional role of reproduction
and expected procreative activities. The research adopted a qualitative research
approach with in-depth interviews to obtain data from women entrepreneurs in the
informal labour sector in a purposively selected local Adire textile industry in Abeokuta,
Nigeria. A snowballing approach was adopted in the selection of the 9 participants that
voluntarily agree to participate in the interview. Data were analysed through content
analysis and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the involvement of women in
the Adire textile have no negative effects on their families, rather, it has enhanced
stability. Respondents have been able to supplement finances at home, the practices that are so much cherished by their husbands. Since the textile is a local though
popular small industry, and the trade knowledge has been oral ‘parents-to-children
knowledge transference’, government could intervene for a formal restructuring. Also,
policy that could encourage mutual husband-and-wife participation in home chores
and other family responsibilities rather than traditional exclusive delegation to women.
This could prevent avoidable negative health consequences for women.
Keywords
HQ The family. Marriage. Woman, JA Political science (General)