Women, marriage and labour market participation

Context: The increasing number of married women in India who are not participating in the workforce is becoming a concern for the country’s economy. When women are involved in the labour market, it improves economic opportunities and gives them more influence in household decisions. Claudia Goldin, a Nobel laureate, has conducted research that shows inequalities in women’s outcomes in the labour market.

Information about the involvement of women in the labour force:

• In 2022, the global labour force participation rate for women was 47.3%. Developing countries experienced a decrease in women’s labour force participation, with India’s rate dropping from 28% in 1990 to 24% in 2022.
• According to the NSSO Periodic Labour Force Survey, married women in India have a lower employment rate compared to unmarried women. 
  • Marriage has a significant impact on women’s participation in the labour market.
  • In the year 2022-23, there was a 5% decrease in the female labour force participation rate among married women aged 25 to 49. 
  • The participation rate declined from 50% in 2004-05 to 45% in 2022-23. The decline is mainly seen in the age group of 25-29.

Various features which influence the labour force participation rate (LFPR) of married women:

• Lack of educational achievements among women can limit their access to certain job markets or professional roles.
• After getting married, women often have more family responsibilities, which can limit their ability to travel or move for work.
  • The institution of marriage often amplifies domestic responsibilities for women, like child-rearing, housekeeping, and caregiving roles. These increased responsibilities can limit their time and energy for external employment.
• There is still a common negative perception in many societies towards married women who work outside of their homes.
• Marriage and societal expectations can limit women’s freedom and opportunities in various ways. 
• The cultural and religious norms in certain communities can influence their decision to work or not. 
• The location of their residence, whether rural or urban, also affects the types of jobs available to them. 
• The economic status of their household can either pressure them to not work or force them to work due to financial needs. 
• Societal norms about women’s employment can also impact their decision to work. 
• Women may face additional challenges in their careers due to societal constraints, resulting in disparities in career choices, income, marriage age, and fertility choices. 
• When women decide to work after marriage, they often prioritise jobs close to their homes and with flexible schedules. 
• The lack of support systems like childcare or family support can discourage women from participating in the workforce.

Strategies to increase to develop women involvement in labour force:

• It is important to effectively implement programs like the National Creche Scheme for The Children of Working Mothers, with involvement from both the public and private sectors.
• Organisations should prioritise creating work environments that support the needs and well-being of women, such as flexible working hours and extended maternity leaves. 
• Offering safe transportation options
• Expanding part-time job opportunities
• Providing skill development programs
• Conducting awareness campaigns
• Implementing gender sensitization programs
• Strengthening legal protections
• Offering incentives for women to start their own businesses can all contribute to creating a more inclusive society
• Equitable workforce for women.

About Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):

• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is an important measure used in labour market research to show the percentage of a country’s population that is either employed or actively looking for work. 
• It is calculated by comparing the number of people in the labour force (those who have jobs or are actively seeking employment) to the total number of people of working age.
• A high LFPR means that a large number of people in a country are either working or looking for work.
• On the other hand, a low LFPR suggests that many people in the working-age population are not employed or actively searching for jobs, possibly due to reasons like lack of motivation, inadequate skills, or being occupied with other responsibilities.

Conclusion: India’s economy suffers due to the lack of married women’s involvement in the workforce, making it essential to adopt measures that encourage their participation for both economic growth and the empowerment of women.

Source: TH

Practice question:

Q. what does the “marriage premium” typically refer to in labour economics?

1. An increase in women’s labour force participation after marriage.
2. A decrease in men’s wages after getting married.
3. The additional income or wage advantage associated with being married.
4. A decline in the overall labour force participation of married individuals.

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