Electronic Journal of Polish Agricultural Universities (EJPAU) founded by all Polish Agriculture Universities presents original papers and review articles relevant to all aspects of agricultural sciences. It is target for persons working both in science and industry,regulatory agencies or teaching in agricultural sector. Covered by IFIS Publishing (Food Science and Technology Abstracts), ELSEVIER Science - Food Science and Technology Program, CAS USA (Chemical Abstracts), CABI Publishing UK and ALPSP (Association of Learned and Professional Society Publisher - full membership). Presented in the Master List of Thomson ISI.

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Nicholson B. 2004. NEGOTIATING THE LEGACY OF TRADITION: RURAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN SOUTHERN ALBANIA, EJPAU 7(2), #08.
Available Online: http://www.ejpau.media.pl/volume7/issue2/economics/abs-08.html

ABSTRACT

Albanian society differs from the rest of Europe. It is dominated by the present form of a traditional institution, the patrilineal family, which has evolved over time. Networks of family and kin fulfil several functions undertaken elsewhere by a range of institutions. This structure limits possibilities for women, but it is also a major resource. The changes since 1990, one of the most important being land privatisation, have given rural households more autonomy and, on balance, have had an empowering effect for women, though at the cost of increasing their work and responsibility. Not all changes have been to women’s advantage. In the public sector cuts and shortages have disproportionately affected women, and their representation in political fora has greatly declined. The increased contact with other countries through work migration is a conduit for new ideas that help to improve women’s situation in the family, but innovations intended to empower women will only be successful if they t

Key words: family, kin networks, Albania, women, privatisation..

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