EI fantasma de la perspectiva de género. Aportes teóricos y metodológicos para el análisis deI manejo de los recursos naturales

Abstract

This paper discusses the contribution of gender analysis to Farming Systems Theory (FST), whish focuses on the productive activities of households and argues that producers must be involved in the researchprocess. The relevance of gender analysis for FST can be summarized in three major points. First, FST must take into account reproductive activities; household production of goods for domestic use or saleand other forms of income generating activities, activities which are usually carried out by women. Second. the household must be seen as an arena of conflict and negotiation, where men and women have different responsibilities, as well as different access and control over income and resources. Third,researchers have to make sure that all members of the household participate in the research process. Only then can we speak of participatory rural extensionism. The paper uses examples of the Mexican countryside to illustrate the argument.