The Socioeconomic Characteristics of Women Traders of Cut Flowers

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 74 views

The Influence of Socioeconomic Characteristics on the Income of Women Traders of Cut Flowers: A Case Study of Kabanjahe Traditional Market Center, Karo Regency

Introduction

The Kabanjahe Traditional Market Center in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, is a bustling hub of activity, with women traders of cut flowers working tirelessly to make a living. In September 2010, a study was conducted to explore the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and the income of these women traders. This study involved all 12 female cut flower traders who had a family, selected through the census method, to represent the condition of the population of cut flower traders in Karo Regency.

The Socioeconomic Characteristics of Women Traders of Cut Flowers

The study revealed that the women traders of cut flowers in Kabanjahe sell various types of flowers, including esters (19.1%), chrysanthemum (23.4%), gladiolus (19.8%), delicious night (20.5%), and orchids (17%). Despite the diversity of flowers sold, the study found that the socioeconomic characteristics of the women traders had no significant influence on their income. This means that factors such as age, level of education, length of trading, business capital, business location, and the number of family dependents did not have an impact on the income they earned.

Exploring Deeper: Other Factors that May Have an Impact

The results of this study raise several questions: Why do the socioeconomic characteristics have no impact on income? There are several possibilities that need to be studied deeper:

Market Competition: Although selling various types of flowers, competition in the flower market may be quite tight. This can be an obstacle factor for traders in increasing income, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Flower Prices: Fluctuations of uncertain interest prices can also be an obstacle. Low or unstable prices make it difficult for traders to achieve higher profits.

Skills and Knowledge: It is possible that skills and knowledge in choosing, caring for, and marketing quality interest are a more dominant factor in determining income.

External Factors: Regional economic conditions, land availability, and government support can also be unexpected factors that have an impact on traders' income.

Implications and Suggestions

The results of this study highlight the complexity of factors that affect the income of women traders of cut flowers. Further research is needed to identify and understand in more detail other factors that might be the key to their success.

On the other hand, increasing knowledge and skills in business, access to business capital, and broader market development can be a strategic step to increase the income of women traders of cut flowers. In addition, support from the government and the community in the form of training, market access, and institutional strengthening is needed to encourage their progress.

Conclusion

This study becomes a starting point for efforts to understand and improve the welfare of women traders of cut flowers in Kabanjahe, as well as building a more appropriate strategy to support them in developing their business. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers, business owners, and community leaders who are interested in supporting the development of women traders of cut flowers.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further Research: Conduct further research to identify and understand in more detail other factors that might be the key to the success of women traders of cut flowers.
Business Development: Increase knowledge and skills in business, access to business capital, and broader market development to increase the income of women traders of cut flowers.
Government and Community Support: Provide support from the government and the community in the form of training, market access, and institutional strengthening to encourage the progress of women traders of cut flowers.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that need to be acknowledged:

Small Sample Size: The study involved only 12 female cut flower traders, which may not be representative of the larger population of cut flower traders in Karo Regency.
Limited Data: The study relied on self-reported data from the women traders, which may be subject to biases and limitations.
Limited Scope: The study focused only on the socioeconomic characteristics of the women traders and did not explore other factors that may have an impact on their income.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to address the limitations of this study by:

Increasing Sample Size: Conducting a larger study that involves a more representative sample of cut flower traders in Karo Regency.
Using Multiple Data Sources: Using multiple data sources, such as sales data and market research, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect the income of women traders of cut flowers.
Exploring Other Factors: Exploring other factors that may have an impact on the income of women traders of cut flowers, such as market competition, flower prices, and external factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of factors that affect the income of women traders of cut flowers in Kabanjahe Traditional Market Center, Karo Regency. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers, business owners, and community leaders who are interested in supporting the development of women traders of cut flowers. Further research is needed to identify and understand in more detail other factors that might be the key to their success.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Influence of Socioeconomic Characteristics on the Income of Women Traders of Cut Flowers

Q: What is the main focus of this study?

A: The main focus of this study is to explore the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and the income of women traders of cut flowers in Kabanjahe Traditional Market Center, Karo Regency.

Q: What are the socioeconomic characteristics that were studied?

A: The socioeconomic characteristics that were studied include age, level of education, length of trading, business capital, business location, and the number of family dependents.

Q: What were the findings of the study?

A: The study found that the socioeconomic characteristics of the women traders had no significant influence on their income. This means that factors such as age, level of education, length of trading, business capital, business location, and the number of family dependents did not have an impact on the income they earned.

Q: What are some possible reasons why the socioeconomic characteristics had no impact on income?

A: There are several possible reasons why the socioeconomic characteristics had no impact on income, including:

Market competition: The flower market may be quite tight, making it difficult for traders to increase their income regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Flower prices: Fluctuations in flower prices can make it difficult for traders to achieve higher profits.
Skills and knowledge: Skills and knowledge in choosing, caring for, and marketing quality flowers may be a more dominant factor in determining income.
External factors: Regional economic conditions, land availability, and government support can also have an impact on traders' income.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings?

A: The study's findings highlight the complexity of factors that affect the income of women traders of cut flowers. Further research is needed to identify and understand in more detail other factors that might be the key to their success.

Q: What are some recommendations for policymakers, business owners, and community leaders?

A: Some recommendations include:

Increasing knowledge and skills in business, access to business capital, and broader market development to increase the income of women traders of cut flowers.
Providing support from the government and the community in the form of training, market access, and institutional strengthening to encourage the progress of women traders of cut flowers.

Q: What are some limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The study involved only 12 female cut flower traders, which may not be representative of the larger population of cut flower traders in Karo Regency.
Limited data: The study relied on self-reported data from the women traders, which may be subject to biases and limitations.
Limited scope: The study focused only on the socioeconomic characteristics of the women traders and did not explore other factors that may have an impact on their income.

Q: What are some future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to address the limitations of this study by:

Increasing sample size: Conducting a larger study that involves a more representative sample of cut flower traders in Karo Regency.
Using multiple data sources: Using multiple data sources, such as sales data and market research, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect the income of women traders of cut flowers.
Exploring other factors: Exploring other factors that may have an impact on the income of women traders of cut flowers, such as market competition, flower prices, and external factors.

Q: What are the implications of this study for women traders of cut flowers?

A: The study's findings highlight the importance of developing skills and knowledge in business, accessing business capital, and expanding market development to increase income. Additionally, support from the government and the community is crucial to encourage their progress.