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Gendered perceptions of power and decision†making in rural Kenya

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  • Noora†Lisa Aberman
  • Julia Behrman
  • Regina Birner

Abstract

Development policies and programmes rest on assumptions about what constitutes power and how to change power dynamics. However, they rarely consider local understandings of power. In this article we ask how these common assumptions correspond with socially and culturally specific ideas about what power is, who can hold power, and how power can be transferred, in rural communities in Kenya's lake region. We find that men and women are constantly negotiating for power in the household, within the bounds of their gendered limitations. And the predominant zero†sum conception of power may undermine common development approaches to empowerment. However, the results also highlight some exceptions to this conceptualization, as well as the value of taking a whole†family approach to empowerment.

Suggested Citation

  • Noora†Lisa Aberman & Julia Behrman & Regina Birner, 2018. "Gendered perceptions of power and decision†making in rural Kenya," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(4), pages 389-407, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devpol:v:36:y:2018:i:4:p:389-407
    DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12257
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lubungu, Mary & Birner, Regina, 2021. "Gender relations in smallholder cattle production in Zambia," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 22(C).
    2. Mutenje, Munyaradzi Junia & Farnworth, Cathy Rozel & Stirling, Clare & Thierfelder, Christian & Mupangwa, Walter & Nyagumbo, Isaiah, 2019. "A cost-benefit analysis of climate-smart agriculture options in Southern Africa: Balancing gender and technology," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 126-137.
    3. Annan, Jeannie & Donald, Aletheia & Goldstein, Markus & Gonzalez Martinez, Paula & Koolwal, Gayatri, 2021. "Taking power: Women’s empowerment and household Well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
    4. Garcia, Italo Lopez & Fernald, Lia C.H. & Aboud, Frances E. & Otieno, Ronald & Alu, Edith & Luoto, Jill E., 2022. "Father involvement and early child development in a low-resource setting," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 302(C).
    5. Kihiu, Evelyne Nyathira & Amuakwa-Mensah, Franklin, 2021. "Agricultural market access and dietary diversity in Kenya: Gender considerations towards improved household nutritional outcomes," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
    6. William Clelland, 2021. "Visions, promises and understandings of development around Kenya’s Masinga reservoir," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 39(6), pages 990-1007, November.

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