Gender Division of Labor in The Ede Ethnic Minority Group Families in Krong Jing Commune, M’Drak District, Dak Lak Province

Abstract

This article is part of the findings from the research project titled "Strategic gender needs among the Ede ethnic minority group in the Krong Jing commune, M'Drak district, Dak Lak province" using qualitative and quantitative methods. Research findings show that the Ede ethnic minority group families are still matrilineal but the division of labor in the family is almost similar to the patriarchal society. Ede men mainly undertake responsibilities of the production and community role, while Ede women mainly undertake the reproductive tasks. As a result, Ede men have more chances to access and demonstrate their abilities in public space with opportunities to expand their knowledge and interact with others. At the same time Ede women are confined by private space that contains many barriers and limitations for personal development. This causes gender inequality as well as gives rise to strategic gender needs responsive to the foundation for harmonious development between husband and wife in the Ede ethnic minority families.