The function of the division of family labor in the Yukitsumugi production area: An analysis based on the life histories of textiles weavers

Abstract

This paper examines the importance of the division of family labor in the Yukitsumugi production area from the viewpoint of life history. The results are summarized as follows. 1) By 1980, Yukitsumugi weaving was stable at almost 30, 000 tan (bolts) per year. Hataya (textile weavers) are the main manufacturers in Yukitsumugi production. There are three processes: "ori" (weaving); "kasuri kukuri" (binding); and "shitagoshirae" (loom preparation). These processes are divided within the family. For example, a husband engages in "kasuri kukuri," his wife does "ori," and their parents (-in-law) are in charge of "shitagoshirae." 2) Weavers of Yukitsumugi production while also engaging in farming, housekeeping, childcare, and other activities. Some hataya shift management to maintain production with changes in family labor demands. This can be understood as flexibility in assigning family labor, which is important in the Yukitsumugi production area. 3) It is important that each member's skills are understood by everyone in the family. The division of family labor is affected by the level of individual skills. Other characteristics, for example, age and sex, and family events, for example, birth, death, marriage, and independence, also affect the division of family labor. 4) Because of the flexibility in the division of family labor, there are various types of hataya in this area. For example, the change in family labor assignments affects the management shift. When the changes are due to external forces, the impact is different because of the conditions of family labor. 5) Most past research suggested that the production area was changed mainly due to external forces. However, when each hataya's various trends is taken into consideration, it can think that the management shifts and the business closures arise directly from family conditions rather than from outside economic factors. Therefore it is important for understanding the production area to consider the division of family labor in each family.