Gender Analysis

Gender Analysis is the process of systematically examining the roles and status of men and women in a given population to understand the differences that exist in men’s and women’s lives, identify underlying causes of social and economic inequity and the different impacts of development initiatives on men and women.   Gender analysis is a key part of any situational or social analysis and is undertaken by policy makers and development practitioners to gain a greater understanding of gender roles and men’s and women’s diverse needs, interests and priorities in order to develop effective, gender-aware policy and program options. Gender analysis can be employed throughout the policy and program cycle – as the first step in examining the gender dimensions of any particular issue, as part of the policy development process, and to inform ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has defined gender analysis as:

• A process that assesses the differential impact of proposed and/or existing research on men and women of different races, classes or castes, for example; and
• A tool that makes it possible for research to be undertaken with an appreciation of gender differences, of the nature of relationships between women and men and of their different social realities, life expectations and economic circumstances; and
• A tool for understanding social processes and for responding with informed and equitable options.
  

Broadly speaking, gender analysis draws on two sources of data to build a picture of gender roles and relations within a beneficiary community or population.  The first stage of gender analysis usually involves the collection and analysis of quantitative data disaggregated by sex which can provide statistical information on differences and inequalities between men and women in relation to areas such as education, health, income and asset holdings.  The second step involves the collection and analysis of qualitative information through desk-top research, observation, meetings with stakeholder groups and participative research methods.  This includes analysis of cultural patterns and norms, government policies and legislation where relevant, consultation with NGO groups involved in gender-based work and advocacy and most importantly, in-depth interviews, surveys and focus group sessions with community members. Over the past three decades several different gender analysis frameworks have evolved, reflecting different policy approaches to gender and development that have emerged over that time.  Amongst the more well known are the Harvard Analytical Framework, the Moser Framework, the Social Relations Approach and the Capacities and Vulnerabilities Analysis Framework.  Although all gender analysis frameworks share a similar primary concern with identifying and analyzing the differences between men’s and women’s experiences, there are distinct differences between the various frameworks in terms of the location and level of analysis, as well as the aims of the research in terms of maintaining or transforming existing gender relations. 

At its most simple, gender analysis examines gender roles at the household level and is concerned with the distribution of productive and reproductive activities, assets and resources and how this impacts the ability of men and women to participate in and benefit from development projects.  Early models of gender analysis developed in the 1980s, such as the Harvard Framework, feature this simple and relatively conservative form of analysis, which does not seek to transform gender roles, but to achieve gender equity through the removal of productive inefficiencies or obstacles to the participation of women in development activities.  More recent gender analysis frameworks, such as Longwe’s Women’s Empowerment Framework, have expanded to consider a much broader level of social relations and institutions in investigating the causes of gender inequity, including the role of government policies, legislation, culture and religion; and seek to transform gender relations in order to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women. 

Different gender analysis frameworks thus offer different approaches to gender and development for researchers and development workers, and also differ in the level of participation, complexity and time needed to undertake the analysis, which may be a factor in selecting a particular framework for use in the field.  Some commentators suggest that as no two programs or situations are alike, existing frameworks should not be strictly followed, but used as a helpful starting point or guide for the development of a context or program-specific framework.  If a particular policy or program has a specific ‘empowerment’ goal, then it may be appropriate to be guided by a framework such as Longwe’s.  For other initiatives, combining elements of two or more different frameworks may be appropriate. The framework and methods which are chosen should ultimately reflect and support the gender-related goals of the development program or policy in question as well as the context.  The International Labor Organization website (http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/mdtmanila/training/unit1/plngaps1.htm) and Bolt and Bird (2003) (http://www.chronicpoverty.org/pdfs/32Bolt_Bird.pdf) provide a helpful overview of the best known gender analysis frameworks, including research methods and matrices used, the relative strengths and limitations of each framework and suggested applications.

 

Sources and online resources:

Asian Development Bank, ‘Gender Analysis Framework for Agriculture’, (Accessed 9 Oct. 07) http://www.adb.org/Documents/Manuals/Gender_Checklists/Agriculture/agri0400.asp?p=genchck

Bolt, V. J., & Bird, K. (2003), The Intra-household Disadvantages Framework: A Framework for the Analysis of Intra-household Difference and Inequality, Office of Development Assistance Chronic Poverty Research Centre Working Paper No.23, (Accessed 9 Feb. 08)http://www.chronicpoverty.org/pdfs/32Bolt_Bird.pdf.

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), ‘Gender Analysis’, (Accessed 9 Oct. 07)
http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/CIDAWEB/acdicida.nsf/En/JUD-31194519-KBD

CGIAR Gender & Diversity Program, ‘Gender Analysis Resource Links’, http://www.genderdiversity.cgiar.org/resource/links_gender_analysis.asp (Accessed 20 Feb. 08)

Global Development Research Centre, ‘Gender Analysis Frameworks’, (Accessed 17 Jan. 08)
http://www.gdrc.org/gender/framework/framework.html

International Development Research Centre (IDRC), ‘Gender Analysis as a Development Research Tool’, (Accessed 9 Oct. 07) http://www.gdrc.org/gender/framework/idrc-tool.html

ILO/SEAPAT Online Gender Learning & Information Module, ‘A conceptual framework for gender analysis and planning’, (Accessed 9 Oct. 07)
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/mdtmanila/training/unit1/plngaps1.htm

Warren, H. (2007) ‘Using gender-analysis frameworks: theoretical and practical reflections’ Gender and Development Vol. 15(2):187-198

World Bank Gender and Development Resources, ‘Gender and Social Assessments/ Analyses’, (Accessed 9 Oct. 07) http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTGENDER/0,,contentMDK:20260648~menuPK:489221~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSitePK:336868,00.html