Women and couples' work: Practices and representations in dairy farms in Uruguay and FranceOriginal Title (non-English) Femmes et travail en couple : pratiques et representations en elevage laitier en Uruguay et en France [French]

摘要

We investigate the diversity of practices and representations of women's work on family dairy farms, based on interviews with twenty women, both French (in the Segala area of Aveyron) and Uruguayan (in the Salto dairy basin). Family dairy farming represents a relatively homogeneous work environment (heavy routine work, a couple's activity), but with differences between the two countries on the issues of professional status and on the place of women in society. Interview analysis shows that the norms of sexual division of labour are strongly interiorized despite the differences between the two countries. Women's work remains linked to the domestic sphere, notably care of animals, milking, and administrative work. The recognition of the legal status of "farmer" present in France but absent in Uruguay, is translated in the perception of the role within the couple: French women emphasize the choices they have made, whereas Uruguayan women speak of an attributed role. Having a legal status does not assure professional recognition. In both countries, they profess recognition for their work in the family sphere, but little recognition in the context of essentially masculine professional groups (dairy technical service, cooperatives, farmers'unions). Creative artisanal activities in Uruguay and local civic organizations in France constitute spaces of socialization and recognition for women.