Gendered social norms in coastal farming systems in Bangladesh

Women play a fundamental role in agriculture, yet gendered social norms significantly shape their participation and access to benefits within farming systems. While these norms influence agricultural structures and practices, their impact on women’s agency and economic contributions remains insufficiently examined. Our study addresses this gap by critically examining the influence of gendered social norms in coastal farming in Bangladesh. Data were collected from 320 men and women engaged in traditional farming across two coastal sub-districts in Barishal division using an open-structured questionnaire. The results are categorized into five interrelated domains of social norms shaping the coastal farming system. Findings reveal that while women have access to financial resources, their control remains limited. Structural barriers, not lack of interest, hinder their adoption of agricultural technology. While their leadership roles are accepted, decision-making opportunities remain restricted. Mobility constraints in farming and markets further limit agency, while gender meta-norms reinforce traditional domestic and childcare responsibilities. The Social Norms Index indicates that 85% of descriptive norms (what is typical) and 44% of injunctive norms (what is appropriate) in coastal farming systems are restrictive. Hence, descriptive constraints contribute more to women’s economic and social resilience as well as gender inequalities than normative norms. Women perceive social norms as more restrictive than men, highlighting persistent gender disparities. Despite this, findings suggest that social norms are dynamic, evolving through socio-political, cultural, and economic shifts. While progress is gradual and uneven, it presents opportunities to renegotiate patriarchy. The study recommends gender-transformative interventions that promote equitable participation, agency, and decision-making opportunities for women within farming systems while remaining responsive to local social contexts.