The Hidden Work of the Farm Homemaker

Abstract

Despite womens involvement in agricultural production, the work role of womenresiding in farm households has not been thoroughly examined. Data collected in1994-1995 as part of the NIOSH-sponsored Farm Family Health and HazardSurveillance Project were used to address task issues and health status of farm womenin Kentucky. In 1996, the farm woman component of the Kentucky study wasreplicated in five counties in west Texas, allowing an examination of farm women intwo large agricultural states. The Kentucky study employed a two-stage cluster design;the Texas study was based on a systematic quota sample of farms. Both studies selecteda sample of women aged 18 years and older living in farm households. A total of992 women in Kentucky (response rate = 85%) and 665 women in Texas completed astructured 30-min telephone interview on work roles, health status, injuries, anddemographics. The results indicated that although 46.4% of the Kentucky respondentsand 46.3% of the Texas respondents characterized themselves as farm homemakers,they regularly engaged in farmwork. Reported tasks included work with animals,tobacco-related chores, field irrigation, farm equipment operation, and farmmanagement. Further, women who characterized themselves as homemakers reportedrates of farm injuries that were comparable with women who classified themselves inother roles such as full agricultural partners. Role definition may influence the womansperception of risk on the farm, preclude participation in farm safety programs, andprevent an accurate occupational medical history. This two-state descriptive studyhighlights the hidden work role of the farm womana role that remains invisible tothe farm woman herselfand emphasizes the important occupational exposures thatfarm women encounter.