Transition to adulthood of female garment-factory workers in Bangladesh
Amin, S.; Diamond, I.; Naved, R.T.; Newby, M.
Studies in Family Planning 29(2): 185-200
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0039-3665 PMID: 9664631 DOI: 10.2307/172158Document Number: 270814
In contrast to the abrupt assumption of adult roles at very young ages associated with early marriage and childbearing, employment offers women in developing countries a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. The implications of labor force participation for the early socialization of young women were examined in semi-structured interviews with 22 garment factory workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 47% of these women entered the garment industry before 15 years of age and 97% had migrated from rural areas. Entry into work was easier in cases where a support structure existed to facilitate migration, help with the job search, and provide some level of initial subsistence. Most women who had worked in the garment industry for more than a year had changed factories at least once and been promoted from helper to operator, with attendant income increases. Female garment workers face social stigmatization for their violation of seclusion rules, are incorrectly assumed to be sexually active, and suffer from numerous stress-related physical symptoms. Nonetheless, these young women valued the modern nature of their life-style and chance to be part of a peer network, considered garment work preferable to agricultural labor, appreciated the opportunity to help their families financially and learn money management skills, and became more self-assured and independent. Factory work in the garment industry may be regarded as a positive opportunity for young girls to delay marriage and motherhood and reduce their reliance on more risky forms of employment.