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The Social Relations Approach, empowerment and women factory workers in Malaysia

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  • Lilian Miles

Abstract

This article discusses the empowerment of women factory workers in Malaysia through the lens of Kabeer’s Social Relations Approach. The approach offers an institutional analysis of how gender inequality is produced and calls for the overall terms of exchange and cooperation to be shifted in women’s favour. Its application shows that Malaysian women factory workers face significant challenges, due to the character of institutions, and women’s difficulties in adopting and internalising the notion of ‘empowerment’.

Suggested Citation

  • Lilian Miles, 2016. "The Social Relations Approach, empowerment and women factory workers in Malaysia," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 37(1), pages 3-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:37:y:2016:i:1:p:3-22
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X14533734
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Naila Kabeer & Lopita Huq, 2010. "The Power of Relationships: Love and Solidarity in a Landless Women's Organisation in Rural Bangladesh," IDS Bulletin, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 41(2), pages 79-87, March.
    2. Nwanesi Peter Karubi, 2012. "Socio-Economic Realities at Work: a Study on Female Workers in the SME’s Located in Malaysia," Information Management and Business Review, AMH International, vol. 4(6), pages 311-316.
    3. Naila Kabeer, 1999. "Resources, Agency, Achievements: Reflections on the Measurement of Women's Empowerment," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 30(3), pages 435-464, July.
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