Agency and opportunity structure as two bases of women’s economic empowerment: The case of silk industry

Geetha G.S. and Vindhya G.S.

Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute, Srirampura, Mysore, Karnataka, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: geethashivaram@yahoo.com; Phone: 0821-2362406; Fax: 0821-2362845; cell: 9448930845/9900192674

Accepted 10 December, 2012

Abstract

This article examines empowerment theory and concept advocated by Antony Giddens in case of women involved in silkworm rearing in Rural India. The focus of the article is how sericulture provides an opportunity for women’s economic participation and to embraces it as their livelihood. It also explores how their participation changes their image from domestic unpaid worker to main contributor of household. It also highlights how sericulture participation increases their networking amongst themselves and perhaps to quote as feminization of sericulture work.

Keywords: Women, Agency, Opportunity structure, Economic Empowerment, Silkworm rearing, Feminization, Silk Industry.