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Gendered Patterns of Labor in Agriculture

Author

Listed:
  • Cheryl Doss

    (Tufts University [Medford])

  • Charles Gottlieb

    (AMSE - Aix-Marseille Sciences Economiques - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - ECM - École Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

As countries develop and experience structural transformation, the gendered patterns of labor change. We use harmonized labor force data and do not find evidence that women's share of the agricultural labor force is positively correlated with per capita income. Yet, the evidence shows many changes taking place that vary across locations. We identify five areas that require attention to understand these processes of change: the patterns of joint ownership and management among smallholder farmers, the responses to the migration of men off‐farm, shifts across sectoral boundaries, time spent on domestic services and care work, and the impact on empowerment. It is important to go beyond the number of people employed in production agriculture to understand the many ways that the gendered patterns of labor are changing.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheryl Doss & Charles Gottlieb, 2025. "Gendered Patterns of Labor in Agriculture," Post-Print hal-05072717, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05072717
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.70012
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05072717v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bhawana, KC & Race, Digby, 2020. "Women’s approach to farming in the context of feminization of agriculture: A case study from the middle hills of Nepal," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 20(C).
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