xploring the Socio-Economic Value Creation Process of Cultural Products and their Maintenance

Abstract

This thesis titl es "Exploring the Soci0-eco]1omi value creation process of cultural products and their maintenance" was qualitative and anthropological research conducted at locale of Danyore, Gilgit Baltistan. Non-Probability sampling technique was employed in which purposive sampling was done. Under this about 50 local women makers were selected purposively on the basis of their experience and skills in manufacturing local cultural products in locale of study. In this research, qualitative data collection methods and tools using participant observation and in-depth interviews were conducted to achieve first hand information from field. The study highlighted the significance of tangible culhlral products refers to the possessions of consciousness and expertise that construct relationship between history, current situation, future prospects and put forward the inherited cultural activity from one generation to another. Cultural legacy is articulated through several processes, expression and capabilities and comprised of related items and cultural places that inhabitants discriminate at constituent of their cultural inheritance. There is an innate association of cultural product with its area that cannot be neglected. The local women of Danyore do certain efforts to make local cultural products in order to gain economic benefits and social value. The study reflects the sustainable amalgamation of cultural and commercial value of products while conserving their particular aspects. Such as maintaining their value in society and proceeding cultural activity as an income source. The aim of study is to scrutinize diverse views for the reason to get a vivacious perception from respondents whether culhlral products of any area have inherent socio-cultural and economic value. Respondents said that to be acquainted with cultural and economic value is highly prized for them. Value of a product is generated by the producers through the activities in line to the local systems where it is situated. Once the spheres of production are detennined then their value generation and maintenance is obligatory to comprehend. So, the study focused on locale definite products and their spheres of production. Next to production phase how the value in form of social and economic is created in products by makers. Social value adds to social recognition of producers in society while economic value benefits in terms of economy. The study is examined under the assumptions of world system theory and hence results of the study revealed that local women makers work to gain economic benefits but the benefits they earned from commodification of products is not equal to their mental and physical labor.