Title: GENDER FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCESS AND CONTROL OVER ASSETS AND RESOURCES

Authors: Nagireddy Chandi Priya and R. R. Prajapati

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: assets, resources, factors, chi-square

Volume: 40

Issue: 1

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.1.0014

Abstract: Access to and control over assets and resources are crucial factors that affect people's livelihoods and household well-being, especially in rural areas. The present study was carried out in Banaskantha district of North Gujarat with a representative sample of 120 respondents, selected randomly and interviewed personally using a structured schedule. Mean score analysis was used for identifying the factors affecting access and control. ANOVA results indicated significant variation among the dependent variables, except for assets accessibility. Further t-grouping analysis revealed that men exercised greater control and decision making power than women in resource accessibility, empowerment. The study further revealed that five out of thirteen factors significantly affected respondents' access to and control over assets and resources. Chi-square analysis revealed that caste, family size, occupation, and annual income were significantly associated with access to assets, while family size, occupation, and sources of information were associated with access to resources. Annual income was the only factor significantly associated with control over assets, whereas occupation and sources of information were associated with control over resources.