Author: Phanlany Khamphoui
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.GD-05-05
Year: 2005
Academic Program: Gender and Development Studies (GDS)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2005
Examination Committee: Kyoko Kusakabe (Chairperson); Barbara Earth, Nicholas J. Dimmitt (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: International globalization has been impacting many spheres of livelihood of people in many countries. This phenomenon appeared visible in Lao PDR, particularly in border areas with Thailand when national governments liberalized cross-border trade through opening up border in 1994. All kinds of Thai goods and Chinese goods later on invaded in Lao PDR particularly in border neighboring areas thereafter. This study examines impacts of cross-border trade in course of market liberalization on Lue ethnic people in relations to their age-old livelihood and gender identities. Study reveals tremendous impacts of cross-border trade on the livelihood, and gender roles and relations among the Lue ethnic group. Before 1994 (e.g., before opening up border) Lue women used to weave traditional Lue clothes with their own and indigenous knowledge and techniques merely for their household consumption. In some cases, they exchanged these clothes with their neighboring mountainous community for other household goods. It was a women only work. At the same time they had to do all household activities. They also wore traditional jewelries, clothing and followed other clothing to uphold their traditional gender and ethnic identities. They used to live in traditional style of house. But the opening up border in 1994 and consequent cross-border trade brought changes in their traditional pattern of livelihood and identities. New business environment provided them new opportunity to change the scale, design and style of their weaving produces. They started to follow Thai and Chinese style in design of their traditional Lue clothes. Later on, they added embroidery materials with these to enhance profit from weaving further. They started to produce clothes in scale to market to Thai merchants. During boom period men also started to work in weaving who would not work earlier. Through this process women could earn improved income, access to various assets and household appliances, and accumulated capital for further investment. Beside this, Lu
Scholarship Donor(s): Asian Institution Technology Fellowship
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science,School of Environment, Resources and Development
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