Women in Mizque : the heart of household survival

This report explores the role of women in the central valley of Mizque. Specifically, the study focuses on women"s roles in managing resources and activities within the household, with discussions of: (1) the division of labor and allocation of family labor to different activities; (2) the control, use, and integration of natural resources; (3) management and budgeting of real estate, commodities, agricultural products, and cash; and (4) management of ritual and social relationships. The report then examines women"s roles in socialization, and explores the problems that economic insecurity and family separations pose for the household"s physical and cultural reproduction. The report finds that as more young people migrate, problems of economic survival are aggravated by conflicting values and lifestyles within the household. Divorce, abandonment of children and of parents, and conflicts over land, labor, and money are often the result. The final section offers some conclusions about the conditions in Mizque, along with a set of guidelines and specific suggestions for helping to improve the conditions of women farmers there and strengthening their power and significance as agents of positive development. Includes references.