Gender, the work-life course, and livelihood strategies in a South Indian fish market

Abstract

The impacts of economic development on men and women varies greatly and often results in disadvantageous circumstances for women. Increased understanding of the 'work-life course' and gendered livelihoods can help to formulate more gender-specific and equally beneficial interventions related to economic and market growth. Over one hundred interviews conducted in the Trivandrum District, Kerala, India were used to help illustrate differential impacts of development, such as commercialization, by one's gender and livelihood strategy. It was found that women, for various reasons relating financial, social, and material capital to which they had access throughout their entire lives, were at a disadvantage in a market undergoing commercialization. This disadvantage through the work-life course must be fully understood in order for interventions to be truly successful for both genders.