Women's paid and unpaid handiwork in a Belfast estate

Abstract

This paper is concerned with examining how family clothing needs are met within low income and unemployed households. Based on empirical research carried out in Belfast, the author will stress the importance of knitting and dressmaking by female family members as an effective mechanism for coping with limited resources. The study will examine the level of autonomy and flexibility women have from working at home. The final section of the paper will address whether these internal productive activities have any influence on traditional gender assumptions regarding the male breadwinner.