Women On Australian Farms: A Conceptual Scheme

Abstract

The diverse contributions of women on farms are largely unknown in the Australian agricultural industry. This paper suggests directions for more detailed research and raises problems associated with it. Alternate relationships possible between the types of units which own and operate farming enterprises and the status, or lack of it, of women within such units is highlighted: The question of what constitutes farm work and contributions made by women, and, importantly, their degree of participation in management and other forms of decision making is examined. Eight role-types of farm women that can be derived from a combination of the above variables which may be used to organise currently available data and, through longitudinal and case studies, collect other data to formulate working hypotheses is outlined.