Keywords
gender injustice
value chain
women artisans
bargaining position
How to Cite
Abstract
This study examines how the Karawo value chain shapes women artisans’ bargaining position and produces gender injustice in Gorontalo’s local cultural production. A qualitative case study was conducted in Gorontalo City, Gorontalo Regency, and Bone Bolango Regency. Data were collected through interviews, observation, documentation, and production-flow mapping with 29 informants across the Karawo value chain. Thematic analysis and gender-sensitive value-chain mapping were used. Collectors occupy a strategic position in fabric distribution, work allocation, quality control, payment processing, and links with clients. Thread cutters and embroiderers consequently depend on collectors for orders, market access, and payments. Greater relational distance from end consumers restricts access to price information and weakens artisans’ bargaining over labour value. The study covers three areas and does not calculate economic margins for each actor. The findings contribute to gender studies, cultural economy, and value-chain research by clarifying how chain position shapes access to information, markets, and value formation. The study develops a gender-based Karawo production-chain diagram linking actors’ positions and distance from consumers to bargaining power.
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