Date of Graduation

1999

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

College

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Geology and Geography

Committee Chair

Ann Oberhauser

Committee Member

Calvin Masilela

Committee Member

Daniel Weiner

Abstract

This research examines the role of gender in African women’s economic co-operatives in the Northwest Province of South Africa. The theoretical frameworks of feminist geography and gender and development reveal the interconnections between issues of women, work, and rural economic development. Background information is presented to illustrate the complexities of rural African women’s economic exclusion under apartheid and today, and a case study approach is utilized to reveal the development and viability of two particular economic co-operatives. Issues concerning the organization, membership, production, and markets of the two co operatives are discussed, as well as the relationship between the co-operatives and the principal funding agency. The findings from this research are relevant to rural development policy for African women in South Africa.

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