Women, Income Generation, and Political Capital in the Silk Industry in Karnataka

Abstract

Active political participation and political capital are central to the realization of the progressive vision and progressive agenda. Participation in political institutions, political process, and civic life are initial indicators of political inclusion. This research note seeks to examine the political participation and political capital of rural women farmers through participation in sericulture activities. It is important to study the participation of women in sericulture because they constitute the vital agent for the total production of cocoons in the country. The study is mainly centered on formal political participation rather than substantive political participation. The research findings indicate that there is growing evidence of a mutually reinforcing relationship between formal political participation and involvement in sericulture activities. Participation in civic organizations helped women in political decision making to a greater extent.