The family grant program, female autonomy and gender equity: What do national studies indicate?

Abstract

The Family Grant program has, since its inception, given priority to women as the recipients of the cash benefit. Several studies have focused on the connection between the program and changes in gender relations. The purpose of this article is to discuss the findings of these studies. The conclusion is that although its design may reinforce the idea that caregiving is a female responsibility, the family grant program leads to questioning of male authority and broadens the social networks of women, and thus has potential to generate changes in gender relations.