So Happy Together or Better Off Alone? Women's Economic Activities, Cooperative Work, and Employment in Rural Paraguay

Abstract

Development organizations are emphasizing the use of women's groups to improve socioeconomic welfare and empower women at the household and community levels. This study looks at income-generating activities (IGAs) of women in a small rural community in eastern Paraguay, their contribution to family welfare, and women's involvement in community management. Economically active women in the study community had decision-making power within the household, but were not actively involved in community management. Further, the women preferred to work independently and not with others. There was a near universal preference for the use of particular IGAs, but personal and family circumstances affected production methods and yields. These preferences - along with negative experiences with previous group projects, a desire to work autonomously, socioeconomic differences, and attitudes of distrust among the women - affect women's willingness to participate in cooperative projects and community management. Recognition of differences in social stratification among women and their socioeconomic circumstances is crucial to developing projects that complement individual needs and capabilities as well as facilitate involvement and leadership of females in community affairs.

Keywords:

• income-generating activities (IGAs)
• cooperative work
• community management