The participation of women in the textile industry: An analysis of social innovation

Abstract

The restructuring of the textile industry in Mexico, from the Obrajes in the pre-Hispanic times to the MSMEs of the 21st century, has involved the participation of women, due to their innovative ideas and practices to solve the problem of the housework and the economy. The Obrajes, the micro-workshops, the large factories and the MSMEs have been forms of organization that women have used so that the need for the care of their sons, daughters and housework was complemented with economic need. However, the strenuous working hours and low salaries are factors that have also contributed throughout history to the transformation of this industry. Therefore, the historical-logical method used in this research allows us to visualize the background and development of the management process of the organization of the textile sector, through the search in different data, national and international books to rescue the role, and the perception of women salary throughout the textile history of Mexico. Therefore, women have been able to handle the economic problem and housework through social innovation, since they have been a key factor of innovation, because through the externalization of their needs they managed to weave networks that led to the creation of establishments that they themselves have led, worked and contributed to work, obtaining that economic independence which they have longed for without neglecting their sons, daughters and home.