Changing livelihoods, gender roles and gender hierarchies: The impact of climate, regulatory and socio-economic changes on women and men in a Co Tu community in Vietnam

Abstract

This paper examines the combined impacts of climate, regulatory and socio-economic changes on gender relations in an ethnic minority community in Central Vietnam. Climate and regulatory changes have caused food insecurity because farming production has significantly declined and hunting and exploiting forest resources have been strictly controlled, affecting livelihood activities. Along with food insecurity, pressures created by social changes and men's reduced contribution to livelihood activities have forced women to adapt and move toward the cash economy, increasing their workload and responsibilities. Although there are positive changes in terms of women's status and greater economic role, these changes may also bring about tensions regarding gender roles and conflict within the family during this transitional phase. In conclusion, some policy recommendations are offered toward more gender-equal responses to the new challenges facing both women and men in a rapidly changing environment.