Socioeconomic Status of Fisher-Women in Segmented Fish Markets of Coastal Karnataka^§

The study has assessed the changes in the socioeconomic status of women fish retailers of Karnataka coast, who are threatened by the competition from the emergence of men fish venders, organized retail shops, super stores, etc. Based on the primary data collected from 300 households in two major fish markets of Mangalore and Malpe in the coastal Karnataka, the study has provided a comprehensive assessment of the socio-demographic, economic and social status of different categories of fish retailers. The study has shown that with high socio-economic capital, the fisher women provide a substantial support to the family welfare and income. However, with increasing market share and income of the younger men retailers, the fisher women retailers are being marginalized in spite of their excellent marketing skills and comparable levels of profitability. The present study has provided the basis for further research on the assessment of social capital among the fish retailers in coastal Karnataka.