Female Labour Force Participation in the Formal Sector: Some Insights from Swaziland

Abstract

This paper utilizes data from Swaziland to provide insights into some areas of interest in gender aspects of labour force participation in the formal sector that are not adequately explicated in current sociological theory with regard to developing countries. The analysis highlights the fact that, although more and more women are joining the paid labour force in manufacturing and other sectors in Swaziland, the core values of the Swazi society that support the subjugation of women are still in large measure upheld. Based on evidence from this analysis, the paper advocates the use of integrative framework in studying female labour force participation, and thus sheds light on the spheres of change that remain largely unexplained in studies guided by a single theoretical perspective.