The division of labor strategies among parents in areas prone to climate challenges in Bangladesh: an exploratory study

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigates how parents’ division of labor strategies are impacted by climate change in Bangladesh. Qualitative methodologies were employed in the present study to gather and analyze data. Sunamganj, Satkhira and Natore are three climate-vulnerable districts where in-depth interviews were conducted with married men and women with only child. Thematic analysis was also employed, utilizing qualitative data provided by the interviews. The findings demonstrate that division of labor tactics, however, differ according on the kind and severity of risks and difficulties a region encounters as well as how vulnerable it is to climate change. Furthermore, when the effects of climatic shocks worsen and women are primarily faced with the difficulties of performing household tasks, which makes them more agitated and nervous, they also anticipate their spouse to be more cooperative. However, mothers in areas vulnerable to cyclones and droughts prioritize their children's education since it can be a means of mitigating the harm caused by climate change, as it can guarantee their children's future stability and means of subsistence. The findings indicate that couples’ gender-based labor distribution strategies may need to be adjusted since climate change affects how men and women choose to take on parenting obligations.