Conceptualization of gender relations in agriculture Intersections between household dynamics, social capital, and ethnicity among selected ethnic minority groups in Northwestern Vietnam

An intersectional lens A field of intersectionality studies rather than a singular concept or method Both as an analytical framework and a complex of social practices At the heart- complexity, identity, and power

Household power dynamics The study has brought to light some major elements of intra-familial dynamics: Husband vs. wife Parents in-law vs. young couple

Husband vs. wife Decision making Source of income and earnings Holding the purse string Gender division of labour

“The relationship between husbands and wives have changed “The relationship between husbands and wives have changed. In the old days only husbands went to these social functions, they kept the money, they decided every thing. These days things have changed. Young husbands and wives go together on these occasions.” (Female, Muong, aged 35, Son La)

“In my family, it is the wife who keeps the money “In my family, it is the wife who keeps the money. Since I am a man, I drink and when I am drunk I can’t keep an eye on money, and may lose it.” (Male, Yao, aged 25, Son La)

Parents in-law vs. young couple Traditional co-residing pattern Headship and decision making power The practice of household fissioning

Traditional co-residing pattern Customarily parents often live with their youngest son. In reality nowadays this has become more flexible, depending on their relationship with their daughters in-law. “If you get along with a particular daughter in-law, you stay with her.” (Female, Hmong, aged 45, Lao Cai)

Headship and decision making Intensity of dependency: *Parents’ political power and influence *Social networks; community integration, e.g., inter-ethnic marriage involving the daughter in-law from different (sub) ethnic group.

Young couples’ preference ‘I want to work when ever I want [according to my own timetable]. In case of co-residing, say, when I haven’t done something my mother in-law would comment “you are so lazy”.’ Female, Hmong, aged 22, Son La

By way of conclusion The approach of using the household as a basis for analyzing community-based and institutional relationships would not reveal the intra-family gender and generational dynamics of control between husband and wife, between parents themselves, between parents and young couples. The categorization of male-headed households and/or female -headed households do not seem to reflect the unequal situation of women who live in households headed by men. In male-headed households particularly when the husband’s parents make all decisions on expenditure, a young wife who does not have any access to the household resources is in vulnerable situation.

Incorporating intersectionality-like thinking in development practices allows for the potential to study gendered livelihoods and agricultural intensification at different intersections of gender roles, intergenerational tensions, social connectedness, and ethnicity. --in line with the participatory community based approach in many initiatives aimed at WEE calls for consideration of agency --the possibilities of change, making this a key moment to implement the intervention.

Thank you very much for your attention