Redefining farmer: agrarian feminist theory and the work of Saskatchewan farm women

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to explore the conceptual and experiential nature of work and identity as it relates to the lives of five farm women in rural Saskatchewan. This project examines the term 'farmer', developing an understanding of the identity farm women form in being part of a farming operation. One of the purposes of feminist theory is to help people reconfigure dominant ways of thinking. I n this thesis I utilize concepts from standpoint feminist theory and socialist feminist theory in an attempt to rethink the identity category 'farmer' by constructing an agrarian feminist theory. Clearly, an agrarian feminist theory is key in a revision of the work of farm women. Therefore, this research is intended to define a theoretical framework useful in constructing an agrarian feminist theory in order to compel changes in the farming communities of Saskatchewan.