Farm Women's Roles and their Experience of Role Strain and Role Enhancement

Studies exploring farm women roles were limited to data of the 1980s utilizing the scarcity approach to role theory. This study expands on research by exploring farm women's roles today utilizing both the scarcity and expansion approaches. Random sampling of 81 farm women ages 26-78 were drawn from the Pipestone County Farm Service's mail-listing. Data was analyzed using JMP Statistical Data Analysis. The study revealed that farm women continued to fulfill roles involved with family, farming, and off-farm employment at rates similar/greater (employment) to those in the '80s. Findings also suggested that farm women experience both strains and enhancements from their roles. Results also indicated that farm women may still seek employment partially out of financial necessity. As this study is exploratory, future research could expand on the data and correlations found. The data also serves as invaluable to the development/revision of social work services in rural areas.