Abstract

VAZQUEZ GARCIA, Verónica. División genérica del trabajo y distribución de beneficios por género en las unidades domésticas campesinas de Mixquiahuala, Hidalgo. Cuicuilco [online]. 2014, vol.21, n.60, pp.109-127. ISSN 0185-1659.

Women play a very important role in the management of small ruminants in mixed productive systems. However this role has been overlooked in Mexico. This paper has two objectives: 1) to analyze the gender division of labor in sheep husbandry and irrigated agriculture; 2) to explore the gendered distribution of benefits produced in both activities. Data were gathered using a combination of methods (two workshops, individual and group interviews and a survey). The paper concludes that sheep raising is socially constructed as a female activity while agriculture is a male activity. Sheep income is used in a larger variety of items compared to agricultural income. Women know little about agricultural costs. However they are familiar with prices involved in sheep feeding. Gender differences must be taken into account when designing and implementing policies aimed at improving animal production in mixed systems.

Keywords : gender; sheep; irrigated agriculture; peasant household; mixed productive systems.