Cross Sectional Analysis of Domestic Weavers of Assam

The handloom weaving of the Assam region is a sustainable livelihood practice with a very high per capita yield due to its regional innovation system, and the domestic weavers are the backbone of this practice. Regional weavers of Assam have carried forward this traditional knowledge as an identity of the state of Assam from generation to generation. But in contemporary times, domestic weaving is confined to a certain subset of society, and ‘Gamosa vocation’ has been affected adversely. The upstream integration of handloom artefact Gamosa is under threat, leading to switching and approaching its end of product life. The threat of infringement in handloom Gamosa is attributed to the mass production of synthetic fabric Gamosa, the poor yarn used by commercial weavers, lack of interest in the innovation system, and diminishing motivation of Xipinie in Gamosa weaving. Work-and-life challenges of domestic weavers in meeting the labour obligations of farm and household chores and disposable time for domestic weaving have influenced the production of handwoven Gamosa. So, this empirical study aims to understand the relationships between domestic weavers and the social environment, as to whether the income level of domestic weavers is moderated by determinants of social challenges. Specifically, the study primarily evaluated the socioeconomic determinants of domestic weaving practice which helps in determining the choices, skills, and perception of a domestic weaver in the upstream integration and supply chain. It is evident that because of the low-income of Gamosa vocation the workforce of weaver does not consider domestic weaving as a livelihood option available in their disposable time. Thus, considering the rural operating environment of Xipinie, the study argues that all the social challenges in the production process of Gamosa have significant influence over the income level of weavers. In conclusion, this research seeks to contribute to the social policy discourse to minimize the impact of the social challenges in favour of the hegemony of the Gamosa as an institution to create competitive advantages and sustaining income levels for Xipinie at par with the skills of a creative artist so that Gamosa will have significant mind share over infringed products