An Investigation of Factors Affecting Textile Weaving Development among Baneh County Rural Women

Taking participation in handicraft context is a symbol of preserving indigenous culture and having an important contribution on rural women socio-economic empowerment. This research aims at investigating factors affecting development of textile (shawl) weaving activities of economically active rural women in Baneh county, Kordestan province. The statistical sample was consisted of 205 rural women in villages of Armardeh district. Structural questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaires validity was confirmed by panel of experts and a pilot study was done to assess the reliability. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were between 0.5 - 0.9 for different measures. Results revealed that individual inputs and environmental context affected development of weaving activities among rural women. Path analysis results showed that supportive factors, working interests, self concept, achievement, perception of self-management, self-efficacy expectations, and career development goals contributed positively to textile weaving career development. Applied recommendations are suggested to develop rural women textile weaving.