Annotated Bibliography Tailor in Afghanistan Kabul –Free Word Template Download with AI
The following annotated bibliography explores the multifaceted role of the tailor within the socio-economic and cultural fabric of Kabul, Afghanistan. Tailoring in Kabul is not merely a trade; it is a vital economic engine for the urban poor, a preserver of cultural identity through traditional dress, and a sector deeply affected by the region's political volatility. The selected sources provide a comprehensive overview of the garment industry's history, its current operational challenges, and its significance to the livelihoods of Kabul's residents.
Ahmed, S. (2019). Threads of Survival: Informal Labor Markets in Post-2001 Kabul. Journal of Central Asian Economic Studies, 14(2), 45-68.Ahmed’s research provides a critical analysis of the informal economy in Kabul, with a specific focus on the tailoring sector. The author argues that for many low-income families in Kabul, operating a small tailoring shop or working as a seamstress is the primary source of income. The article details how the lack of formal banking infrastructure forces tailors to rely on cash-based transactions and informal credit networks. This source is essential for understanding the economic resilience of Kabul's artisans, highlighting how they navigate inflation and market instability. It specifically addresses the gender dynamics of the trade, noting that while male tailors dominate the public market, female tailors play a crucial, albeit often hidden, role in the domestic economy.
International Labour Organization (ILO). (2021). Decent Work in Afghanistan: The Garment and Textile Sector. ILO Country Office for Afghanistan.This report by the ILO offers a macro-level perspective on the garment industry in Afghanistan, with significant data regarding Kabul. It outlines the working conditions of tailors, pointing out issues such as long hours, lack of safety regulations, and the prevalence of child labor in family-run workshops. The document is particularly valuable for its statistical data on the number of tailoring establishments in Kabul compared to other provinces. It also discusses the potential for growth in the sector if international trade barriers are lowered, suggesting that Kabul could become a regional hub for textile production if the political environment stabilizes.
Farah, N. (2017). Stitching History: The Evolution of Afghan Dress and the Tailor's Craft. Kabul University Press.Farah’s book is a seminal work on the cultural significance of clothing in Afghanistan. It explores how the tailor in Kabul acts as a custodian of cultural heritage, adapting traditional garments like the pakol, wakhan, and chapan to modern tastes. The author interviews master tailors in the historic districts of Kabul, such as Bala Hissar and Shahr-e-Naw, documenting the specific techniques passed down through generations. This source is crucial for understanding that the tailor is not just a service provider but a key figure in maintaining Afghan identity amidst globalization. It highlights the intricate embroidery and fabric choices that distinguish Kabul’s fashion from neighboring regions.
Khan, Z. (2020). Fabric and Faith: Dress Codes and Tailoring in Contemporary Kabul. Middle East Journal of Culture and Society, 33(1), 112-130.Khan examines the complex relationship between religious norms, political regimes, and the work of the tailor in Kabul. The article analyzes how tailors have had to adapt their designs in response to changing dress codes imposed by various governments, from the monarchy to the Taliban and the post-2001 republic. It provides a nuanced look at how tailors navigate these restrictions, often finding creative ways to incorporate modern styles while adhering to modesty requirements. This source is vital for understanding the political sensitivity of the tailoring profession in Kabul and how it reflects the broader societal shifts in Afghanistan.
Rahman, M. (2018). From Peshawar to Kabul: The Cross-Border Textile Trade. South Asian Economic Review, 22(4), 89-105.Rahman’s article investigates the supply chain dynamics that sustain the tailoring industry in Kabul. It details how a significant portion of the fabric used by Kabul’s tailors is imported from neighboring Pakistan and China. The author discusses the logistical challenges, including border closures and customs delays, that impact the availability and cost of materials for local tailors. This source is important for understanding the economic vulnerabilities of the sector. It highlights how disruptions in cross-border trade directly affect the livelihoods of tailors in Kabul, forcing them to raise prices or reduce the quality of their work.
World Bank. (2022). Afghanistan Economic Monitor: Reviving the Private Sector. World Bank Group.This report includes a section on the manufacturing sector, with specific references to the textile and tailoring industries in Kabul. It analyzes the impact of energy shortages and infrastructure deficits on small businesses, including tailoring shops. The document provides data on the cost of electricity and its effect on the operation of sewing machines and other equipment. It is a valuable resource for understanding the operational constraints faced by tailors in Kabul and the need for infrastructure investment to support the sector’s growth.
Haidari, L. (2021). Women Tailors in Kabul: Empowerment and Constraints. Gender and Development in Afghanistan, 9(3), 201-225.Haidari’s study focuses on the experiences of women who work as tailors in Kabul. It explores how tailoring provides a rare avenue for economic independence for women in a patriarchal society. The article discusses the challenges these women face, including limited access to markets, harassment, and social stigma. However, it also highlights the success stories of women who have established their own tailoring businesses and employ other women. This source is essential for understanding the gendered dimensions of the tailoring industry in Kabul and its potential as a tool for women’s empowerment.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023). Sustainable Livelihoods in Urban Afghanistan: The Case of Kabul’s Artisans. UNDP Afghanistan.This UNDP report evaluates various livelihood programs aimed at supporting artisans in Kabul, including tailors. It assesses the effectiveness of vocational training programs and microfinance initiatives in helping tailors improve their skills and expand their businesses. The report provides case studies of tailors who have benefited from these programs, offering practical insights into what works and what doesn’t. It is a useful resource for policymakers and NGOs looking to support the tailoring sector in Kabul as a means of poverty alleviation and economic development.
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