Mujeres y hombres en la artesanía de Olinalá: análisis social y económico del laqueado.

Craft production in Mexico is an activity of sociocultural and economic significance, especially in rural and indigenous communities. In Olinalá, Guerrero, artisans are renowned for their traditional lacquer technique. This artisanal activity is carried out in family workshops, where each member assumes specific tasks according to established gender roles. This study analyzes the social and economic dynamics of lacquer work from a gender perspective by means of a semi-structured interview with artisans. Questions addressed aspects related to the economic impact of artisanal activity and socioeconomic conditions. The results reveal significant inequalities: whereas men tend to assume the role of providers, women combine domestic work with artisanal work, accumulating workdays of more than eight hours. The main points of sale are local shops and regional fairs, and access to broader markets is limited, despite occasional support from institutions such as FONART. After the COVID-19 pandemic, artisans turned to digital media as an alternative way to sell their crafts. The profit per craft item ranges from 10 to 30%, but this profit is reinvested to continue production. This study underscores the need to value artisanal work and improve marketing channels for this sector.