Skills of survival: A study of the Guatemalan cooperative system and its impact on social and economic power of rural women

TitleSkills of survival: A study of the Guatemalan cooperative system and its impact on social and economic power of rural women
Publication TypeThesis
Year of Publication1994
AuthorsOlson JM
AdvisorSmart J
Academic DepartmentAnthropology
DegreeMaster of Arts M.A.
Number of Pages144
UniversityUniversity of Alberta (Canada)
CityCalgary, AB
Abstract

This thesis is a study of the impact of development on Guatemalan women. Cooperatives are often instituted to increase socio-economic opportunities of generally rural people. While this goal may be achieved in some countries or realized for men, women rarely benefit from the process. A four month study of three artesanal cooperatives in highland Guatemala investigated this possibility. Primary information was gathered from female members, their husbands, and government ministers associated with cooperative development.I have compiled percentages and explained the structure of the Guatemalan cooperative system. Information covers generally all sectors of the cooperative system from highland Guatemala, but centers on artesanal cooperatives.The thesis is a comparison of the attained social and economic powers of female members in three highland artesanal cooperatives. Each cooperative represents a very different grouping of women characterized by different family structures and cooperative organization. Because of these major differences the types and degree of power vary. The powers of the women, though, remain minimal despite the introduction of cooperatives.My findings indicate that the cooperative system in Guatemala has not benefited women, but rather may be more damaging to them. Recommendations are made to gather information from other cooperative sectors in Guatemala for a data base from which future changes in development can be made; and to increase the voice of women in the process.

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