STATUS OF WOMEN IN DIFFERENT SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTEXT OF AQUACULTURE-BASED SOCIETIES: A CASE FROM BANGLADESH

Women in Bangladesh are commonly characterized by lower economic, social, cultural and political status, heavy domestic workloads, restricted mobility, inadequate knowledge and skills, low sovereign power and a limited role in household decision-making. However, the situation can be an exception when they are physically and mentally more active and can generate more income. The objective of the study was to measure the social status of women with two different cultural set ups in a southwestern coastal communities of Bangladesh, where mostly Hindu households reside. The study considered 100 Hindu women and 50 Muslim Women. In some cases, the male members of their families were also interviewed. The Muslims are the minority in this area and their cultural perspective does not allow them to work for fish production in the gher**. A Muslim woman who works in the gher is locally considered as 'bad woman'. It could be mentioned here that the ghers are located very near from the house (like a yard). It was found that because Hindu culture allows both men and women to work for fish production, they receive more output. When the male members are busy with other farm, non-farm or off-farm work, the female members lead the gher culture. They catch fish whenever needed and guide the harvest from their ponds before selling; the women always keep the required amounts for home consumption. As a result, they consume fish for 15 - 20 days a month. The families of Hindu female labours who work in others' ghers, consume more fish than comparatively richer Muslim families who depend on male members to make fish available at home either from the gher or from the market. In case of 'female headed' Muslim households, the local adage holds: 'no male at family, no fish to consume'. It was also observed that due to more fish consumption (their perception), the Hindu women were healthier, more energetic, can work longer in the field and at home. Though they were engaged in work for more hours as their reproductive and productive responsibilities, rarely they mentioned about double burden of workload. Rather they enjoy their works as their economic situation was improving and they receive more cash income. Opposite situation was observed for the other culture followers. The circumstances may conclude about the relationship between cultural views and social status. Therefore, context specific cultural change may improve the socioeconomic status of women in any society.