Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2024)

Performing Masculinities: The Assumption of Men’s Roles by Women as Instigated by Male Labour Migration in Tanzania

https://doi.org/10.56279/13/2/4
Nives Kinundu
Dar es SalaamUniversity College of Education
Angelus Mnenuka
University of Dar es Salaam
Samweli Mhajida

Corresponding Author(s) : Nives Kinundu

nives.kinunda@duce.ac.tz

Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), Vol. 13 No. 2 (2024)

Abstract

This paper analyses empowerment of women farmers in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania as stimulated by the migrant labour during the British colonial rule. Before the colonial invasion, labour distribution was organised along sex lines. However, due to exodus of a big population of men meant that women had two options: either to assume some exclusively men’s responsibilities, i.e. some agricultural activities, or face economic and social hardships. To meet the goal of this study, the paper specifically aims at highlighting historical division of labour along sex lines, explore the dynamics of labour division since the colonial period, identifying the trend of women adopting male activities, and finally, examining the extent the assumption of male responsibilities among women has contributed to women’s empowerment. The research findings show that, as men went to work in distant colonial investments, their wives and female relatives at home started to do men’s work to make a living. In most cases, this elevated women farmers’ standards of living, which include increasing women’s sense of self-worth, decision-making power, access to agricultural opportunities and resources, power and control over their own life inside and outside the home.  A case study strategy was adopted to address the research problem. Interviews, focus group discussions, and documentary reviews were the main instruments of data collection. Furthermore, gender analysis was used to guide the research process through gender roles and gender relations as the major gender framework.

Performing Masculinities: The Assumption of Men’s Roles by Women as Instigated by Male Labour Migration in Tanzania . (2024). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 13(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/13/2/4
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Performing Masculinities: The Assumption of Men’s Roles by Women as Instigated by Male Labour Migration in Tanzania . (2024). Journal of Humanities & Social Science (JHSS), 13(2). https://doi.org/10.56279/13/2/4
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