Mothering earth? Gender and environmental protection in the Jharkhand, India

Abstract

With reference to field‐based evidence from the Jharkhand region of India, this article seeks to problematise the assumption of a simple women‐environment link and outline the pitfalls of translating such ideas into development policy‐making. Following the work of Bina Agarwal and Cecile Jackson (amongst others), it challenges the perception of women as environmental guardians. In particular, it highlights the fluidity and localised nature of inter‐and intra‐community variations in work allocation and identifies significant gender variations in decision‐making and control over environmental resources. Specific emphasis is placed on the impact of patrilineal inheritance systems and patrilocal residence patterns on women's familiarity with and control over local environments.