Women's work and family size in rural Thailand
Podhisita, C.; Havanon, N.; Knodel, J.; Sittitrai, W.
Asia-Pacific Population Journal 5(2): 31-52
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0259-238X PMID: 12283484 Document Number: 373709
The effect of childbearing and family size on women's work is examined for two rural areas in Thailand. The study is based on quantitative data collected in a survey and qualitative data yielded by focus group discussions. Virtually all women were engaged in economic activities during the child bearing and rearing years. It is concluded, therefore, that reproduction does not prevent rural Thai women from working. Thai couples have developed various ways to cope with the conflict between child rearing and economic activity. Nevertheless, reproduction is found to temporarily interrupt economic activity, particularly while children are young. Given that these periods of interruption and interference cumulate with each birth, it can be said that family size has an impact on women's work.