Prácticas y perspectivas de la Economía del Cuidado un desafío emergente: estudio de caso Asociación de Productores Agroecológicas APA Azuay

Abstract

The study of the care economy is crucial to promote the equitable redistribution of care work and to address its invisibilization in the economic sphere, as well as to promote social justice. This research analyzes the practices and perspectives of the care economy in the Association of Agroecological Producers of Azuay (APA Azuay) in order to propose strategies that promote its recognition and redistribution as a matter of social justice. A comprehensive methodology is employed, including quantitative, qualitativeand participatory techniques such as surveys, interviews and creative workshops. The results show a perspective aligned with feminism, advocating structural changes toachieve an equitable distribution of care work and its economic benefits. However, thereis a notable lack of family and community support for these responsibilities. Despiteefforts to promote equity, traditional roles that perpetuate gender inequalities persist, withwomen assuming the majority of care work and agroecological production, while men focus on productive activities outside the home. Strategies are proposed to counteract these socio-cultural and structural challenges, providing a solid framework for advancing towards equal opportunities, developing adaptive capacity and strengthening APA Azuay's response to present and future challenges in the field of the care economy and agroecological production.