a case study in Xaybouathong District, Khammuane Province, Lao PDR Deuandara Sayakoummane creator Swierczek, Fredric W. Examination committee Kusakabe, Kyoko Chairperson Resurreccion, Bernadette P. Examination Committee Joint Japan I World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program and Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship Scholarship Donor text series technical report th Pathum Thani, Thailand Asian Institute of Technology 2006 continuing eng 76 leaves Xaybouathong is the poorest district in the Khammouane Province. Before the market liberization the livelihood of the people in this area is heavily dependent on the rice cultivation, livestock and other forest production. People had no income in the household and rice was only the main source of food for them to survive. Handicraft was the second occupation of the people to additionally work for their household consumption; this includes weaving, wood and rattan crafting. Pakuay NongBonh village, the study area, is one of the most villages that still preserve and practice all their traditional skill from generation to generation. After the market liberization, weaving women in this village started their weaving activity for their household business to get the income. Now weaving is the main source of income for the people in the village. After years of their involvement in this activity weaving has brought many changes to their household in both economic improvement and social relation which includes gender role and status relation A research study submitted in the partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006 Women weavers Laos Xaybouathong Asian Institute of Technology. http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B10664 http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B10664 070521 20260819090923.0