Intersectionality of gender and caste in women’s participation in the labour force
- The decline in female Labour Force Participation (LFP) in India over the past two decades is a concerning trend, particularly when compounded with gender bias and caste discrimination.
- Recently, a study titled ‘The Role of Gender and Caste in Accessing Livelihood Opportunities in India’ was published.
- It explores the intricate relationship between gender, caste, and women's participation in the rural informal sector utilising data from the SECC 2011.
Methodology
- The study analyzes labour force participation at the tehsil level in seven states, considering variables.
- such as income levels, female-headed households, and the proportion of lower caste households.
- Focuses on how women's involvement in revenue-generating non-farm economic activities within the informal sector changes based on caste positions.
- Women’s LFP in the rural informal economy tends to rise under two primary conditions viz.
- When there is a higher number of lower caste households.
- When there is a high prevalence of female-headed households.
Key Findings
- Caste and Gender Barriers
- Societal expectations, legal constraints, and economic limitations contribute to gender barriers in women's participation in economic activities.
- Laws restricting night shifts for women in formal sectors do not hinder their participation in the informal sector, where the need for revenue often drives employment.
- Role of Female-Headed Households
- Women in female-headed households tend to participate more in the informal sector, particularly when economically disadvantaged.
- Economic stability within households decreases the likelihood of women seeking employment, even in female-headed families.
- Caste Patterns in Employment
- Historical expectations related to caste structures contribute to lower-caste women's higher participation in the informal sector.
- Education plays a crucial role, with lower-caste women often facing economic disadvantages and limited educational opportunities, confining them to jobs in the informal sector.
- Education and Formal Employment
- Education emerges as a determinant factor in the nature of work accessed by women.
- Affirmative action policies enable entry of educated women from lower castes into the formal economy, challenging societal norms.
- Conversely, educated women from higher castes have greater prospects in the formal sector.
Socio-Economic Impact of Women's Participation
- Despite obstacles rooted in caste and gender bias, women's participation in the workforce proves beneficial for both individuals and society.
- Liberates women from societal and economic constraints.
- Contributes to delayed marriage and childbirth.
- Enhances children's schooling chances.
- Reduces susceptibility to domestic violence.
- Promotes overall socio-economic development.