Dai women, culture and water resource management in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China | |
| Author | Yang, Fang |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no. HS-97-01 |
| Subject(s) | Water resources development--China--Yunnan Women in community development--China--Yunnan |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. HS-97-01 |
| Abstract | After gaining independence, many third world countries were eager to follow the Western example of industrialization and technical progress. Many canals, dams and reservoirs were built to develop hydraulic power. But these public works destroyed the ecological balance of water catchment areas. Gradually, indigenous knowledge came to be recognized as a valuable resource for sustainable development, an alternative for the conventional model of development. Like many other phenomena, indigenous knowledge has a gender dimension. Women have different interests and needs, and they have insights, skills and talents which differ from those of men. China is a large country with an uneven distribution of water resource due to the reasons of topography and climate. Generally speaking, the northern part is very dry and the Southern part is quite wet. Yunnan Province lies in the Southwest of China. It has abundant water resource and is famous for both its biodiversity and cultural diversity. Except for the Han majority group, there are altogether 25 major ethnic groups in Yunnan. Women's domestic roles in indigenous water resource management m Dai households were examined in Mansunman village of Xishuangbanna. Through using rapid rural appraisal and literature review, women's roles in indigenous domestic water resource management were explored. Research result indicates that women play active roles in water resource management, namely as water providers, water mangers and water safeguards. However, they are subordinated or play secondary roles in many water-related activities. The reason for this includes two aspects. One is the indigenous religion, which excludes women, and the other is the feudal thinking of male superiority and female inferiority. |
| Year | 1997 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. HS-97-01 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kelkar, Govind ;Dale, Reidar; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Remigio, Amador A.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of The Netherlands; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1997 |