Time Allocation and Economic Contribution of Women in Fulfilling the Basic Needs of Poor Households

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the time allocation and economic contribution of women in fulfilling their families’ basic needs. This research used a qualitative approach and applied observations and interviews as the data collection technique. The research sample consisted of 25 people, including 23 stone-breaking women, who have a family, and 2 village heads, whose village areas contain stone-mining enterprises. The obtained data was analysed qualitatively, implying that the processes of data collection, data reduction, data display, and data verification were carried out simultaneously. The results of this study show that the respondents allocate more time to household chores than to stone-breaking work. However, through the activities as a stone breaker, homemakers do make a significant economic contribution to the family’s income. Indeed, the sole reliance on the husband’s income as the head of the family cannot be sufficient for fulfilling the basic needs. The husband’s income only serves to maintain the survival of the family.