Rural women earning income in Indonesian factories: the impact on gender relations
Hancock, P.
Gender and Development 9(1): 18-24
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1355-2074 DOI: 10.1080/13552070127735Document Number: 227227
The impact of the Asian crisis (between 1997 and 1998) on rural women and their families in Banjaran, Indonesia is described, based on 2 research studies (in 1996-97 and 1999-2000). Among the significant effects of the crisis were: price increases for basic items such as food, oil, transport, health, and education; and a decrease of the women's purchasing power and wages. Women factory workers reported the following changes at household level: contribution of a greater proportion of the earnings to the household budget; adaptation of new consumption and spending habits; and increase in the women's bargaining power and decision-making abilities in the household. Changes in attitudes to work are also discussed. It is indicated that the impact of the crisis has provided factory women with the opportunity to play a role in the solution of serious economic problems within their households, caused by high inflation and increased poverty levels. Traditional patriarchy has been weakened by the necessity of families to accept an increased contribution by young women.