ROLE PLAYED BY EMPLOYMENT IN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE FAMILY

  • Unique Paper ID: 156601
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 4
  • PageNo: 232-237
  • Abstract:
  • Though it is perceived that the status of a woman is enhanced by employment, it is not yet explained how it empowers women in the family set up. The power relations in family are a very important aspect from the point of view of empowerment of woman. An employed woman may be very powerful and efficient in an organization. But the situation at home may be different. The perception of self worth of members within the household is an important component in determining their bargaining power. Many women do not even realise their deprivation due to socialisation within this culture since childhood. In intra-household bargaining, therefore, women fare worse than men by being too much willing to sacrifice their own interests. According to Amartya Sen, women are less likely to secure favourable outcomes for themselves in household decision making processes. They feel that their long term security lies in subordinating their wellbeing to that of male authority figures. This paper highlights the important role played by employment in empowering women in the family, with the help of the results of a sample study of employed women in various categories of employment. In this paper, the empowerment achieved through employment is analysed through eight elements of empowerment such as self-esteem, importance in the family, role in deciding the number of children, decision making in family matters, role of employment in keeping up individuality, increase in self-dependence and family income, and in securing the respect of husband and in-laws. Satisfaction index is the tool used for analyzing the data. The study concludes the immense potential of employment to enhance the empowerment of women in the family set up. Hence more opportunities should be provided to women for employment or self- employment.

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue: 4
  • PageNo: 232-237

ROLE PLAYED BY EMPLOYMENT IN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE FAMILY

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