The Impact of Capitals on Fishing-Dependent Traditional Society: A Qualitative Study

Mohammed Mamun Rashid

Abstract

Bangladeshi Jaladas (slave of water) are traditional fishers living within multiple dimensions of poverty. This qualitative study was conducted in two Jaladas villages to examine the impact of diversified capital penetration on their lifestyles. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving 12 male and 12 female participants were conducted. The findings reveal improvements in awareness, education, health conditions, leadership capacity, bargaining power, and living standards in North Salimpur Fishing Village due to donor-led capital interventions. However, traditional social institutions, ethnic values, religious practices, kinship relations, and community belongingness experienced noticeable decline. Lifestyle transitions were evident across both study villages due to expanding capital influences within the fisheries sector. The study highlights the need for further inquiry to understand the subtle and long-term lifestyle transformations occurring within Jaladas communities.

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Corresponding Author

Mohammed Mamun Rashid, Department of Media Studies and Journalism, School of Social Sciences, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Bangladesh.

Citation

Rashid, M. M. (2026). The Impact of Capitals on Fishing-Dependent Traditional Society: A Qualitative Study. Econ Dev Glob Mark, 2(1), 01-16.