The multi-dimensional perspectives of taboos on gender roles of fisherfolk in the Global South

Abstract

In the Global South, small-scale fisheries may be highly influenced by taboos and traditional beliefs that are believed to maintain fishing pressure within sustainable limits, maintain ecosystem balance and mitigate risks associated with work at sea. However, despite their potentially significant role in mediating human-resource interactions, limited attention has been given to taboos in the context of small-scale fisheries. Among the socio-cultural taboos shaping participation in and benefits from fisheries activities, gender-specific taboos are particularly significant. Thus, this paper explores the role of gender taboos in sustainable and equitable small-scale fisheries management in the Global South. It also identifies and assesses the quality and scientific rigor of the key themes from the literature. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the state of knowledge on taboos and small-scale fisheries and situate the role of gender-specific taboos within small-scale fisheries governance. Over 100 relevant publications were obtained and categorised using scanning and selection methods. The main emerging themes from the literature review included traditional ecological knowledge and taboos, conservation and management taboos, and gender taboos. The findings highlight the significance of taboos in shaping gender dynamics, livelihoods, and food security within small-scale fisheries; however, there remain many gaps in understanding the role of taboos in mediating fishing activities and in maintaining gender inequalities in the fisheries sector. Without this knowledge, gender inequalities could be further exacerbated where taboos are used as a management tool without considering the gender dimensions. This study, therefore, seeks to fill this gap by providing insights for fisheries managers and practitioners for managing fisheries in a way that considers these socio-cultural factors that shape access to, control over and the benefits derived from fisheries.