Gender inequality vis-à-vis culture and the role of women in socio-economic development

Abstract

Gender inequality is a feature of social relations in most societies and is linked to poverty, violence, the labour market, health, housing, and education. Additionally, gender inequality has a role in structuring the relations of production and reproduction and is inextricably linked with knowledge construction and dissemination. Education institutions are key socializing structures that produce and reproduce the subordinate position of women in society. During colonial times in Zimbabwe, farm labour consisted of the local population, including women and children. For the purpose of this study, we observe that (black) women were forced into a farm labour function early in the colonial formation. This study set out to investigate the social and cultural factors that impact on the role of women in economic development with a view to finding solutions and a way forward that will help to enhance women’s participation in Zimbabwe’s economic development. A qualitative study approach was adopted, a descriptive research design was used, the population of the study consisted of Small to Medium Scale entrepreneurs (SME’s). The sample size was 20 and purposive sampling technique was used to select informants, while interpretive content analysis was used for data analysis.

Keywords: culture, women, economic development, gender inequality