Change of the Consciousness and Behavior of Female Farmers through the Processing Group Activity: Focus on the Subjectivity of Female Farmers

Abstract

This paper aims to clarify the change of the consciousness and behavior of female farmers by studying a case of women’s processing group of Japan Agricultural Cooperative (JA) Kinosato in Wakayama Prefecture. Changes of consciousness and behavior of members who act with subjectivity in 14 processing groups were examined. The findings indicate that,first, we found that the willingness of commoditizing their own agricultural products and the processing skills came from the learning methods while exchanging opinions have strongly impacted on women’s subjectivity. Secondly, a co-working relationship has been geminated between the female farmers through the processing activities for business. Thirdly, a new social network has been built. Fourthly, it was found that the activities of women’s processing group build self-confidence and expanded the scope of behavior of female farmers. Finally, lead to a willingness to work in a new job.