Has there been a change in the status of lower middle -class women

in India post their employment

Shagun Arora,

PHD,Associate professor

New Delhi Institute of Management

[email protected]

Seher Arora,

Student of The Moulsari Shriram School

sheher

Abstract
This exploratory study analyzed the cognitive and behavioral effects
on children, in small Midwestern communities
Traditionally, the Indian women have been home makers. They have been
regarded as the weaker gender, both physically and intellectually.
Consequently women’s roles is centered around the home and raising
children and taking care of elderly people. However over the years
women have gradually entered the workforce. This may be due to
improved education system and social awareness, along with increasing
cost of living. Working women not only share the financial
responsibility of the household but also play a key role in
development of the society and contribute to national economy. They
have pushed back the boundaries imposed upon them by social and cultural norms
without overtly threatening the social system into which she belongs. The research
paper attempts to study how the society perception and roles of women have
transcended from the nurturer to the provider.

Work and family are the two most important domains in a person’s life and their
interface has been the object of study for researchers world-wide.
Today work is a part of the life of women irrespective of their social and class
locations. Women act as agents of social change and create new social spaces for
themselves through income-generating but often informal occupations.According
to Sturges & Guest (2004), there is a felt need to balance and integrate family needs
and career requirements and research in the field of work family interface (Frone,
Yardley, & Markel, 1997). This paper looks at involvement of middle-class Indian
women in labour market and examines how this has changed the perception of the
family and the society towards her.This article attempts at examining the
change in socio-cultural perception about working women over time in
lower middle class section of the society in India

The idea behind this article is to take a look at the way in which
Indian women have evolved over time.
his paper examines the ways in which a
Literature review
Although profiling mothers is helpful in researching effects on
children, examining both children’s and mothers’ perceptions of the
mothers’ employment is also important. A study by Nomaguchi and
Milkie (2006) examined whether or not people’s perceptions of their
parents was affected by their mother’s employment (or lack thereof)
during their childhood. Regardless of hours worked, children of
mothers who worked reported less discipline from their mothers than
those whose mothers did not work outside the home. Those with working
mothers also reported less support and more verbal assaults than
those whose mothers did not work (Nomaguchi and Milkie, 2006)

Research Design:
This study utilizes a survey-based research design to explore the attitudes of the
family members towards working women. The objective is to
gain insights into the prevailing thoughts and perceptions surrounding women's
employment.

Sampling:
The research area focuses on the Jaipur Region, encompassing both urban and rural
settings. The target population consists of women in the lower middle class A
purposive sampling technique will be employed to select participants who meet the
criteria of being working women in the specified industries.

Data Collection:
Primary data was be collected through a structured survey questionnaire. The
questionnaire will be designed to capture the attitudes of society and family
members towards working women. It consist of 15 questions specifically developed
for this study. The questions covered various aspects such as
perceptions, beliefs, societal expectations, and potential challenges faced by working
women.

Findings

For example, a great competition to do well in schools has led to the growth of a
virtual private tutor industry for children which middle-class women with education
can exploit. Some of the informal economic activities adopted by middle-class women
are completely new and are related to the present needs of society. Through these
activities, women seek personal fulfillment and create new opportunities for
themselves
 The female participation in labour force has increased by 9.5% points in 2021-22
over the year 2017-18, this upward trend in female LFPR is the result of various
influential factors. Further, it is evident from the table that the major component of
increase in the overall labour force participation in India is increase in the female
LFPR. One of the main factors of positive signs in female labour market is various
steps taken by the Government of India for boosting employment and women
empowerment through Female LFPR 32.8% India: More than a quarter; around one
third female are participating in labour force during 2021-22 11 various laws, policies
and schemes. Although, the female LFPR is lower than male in India, but the
optimistic point is that the female LFPR is increasing over the years and has already
crossed one quarter of total female and touched one-third of women.Women’s
increased involvement in the economy is the most signifificant change in labor
markets during the past century

Here, it can be easily understood that and for males are “Male Breadwinner norm”
which assigns the responsibility of Household expenses to the man. Thus the prime
social and cultural norm is ‘time poverty’ among married women. Even when women
are educated and allowed to work outside the home, they prefer not to do work due to
the disproportionate burden of the care economy.

Women make up 48 percent of the Indian population but have not benefitted equally
from India's rapid economic growth.

.There is another face

to this picture: supporting women working outside the home. In low-income families,
single-income households are often an impossibility — both parents work simply
because they have to. This means that the model of the breadwinner-caregiver begins
to break down. Low-income women are working without support far more often than
expected.

Over the last half century sweeping changes have occurred in women’s and men’s
roles in the household and in their participation in the labor market. Not only women
role changed but the perception of the society has changed.These changes have a
strong educational gradient.The changing social structures arising out of dual career
couples, single parent families have led to consider chnage in the perception about
women in the working space.

Work and family are the two most important domains in a person’s life and their
interface has been the object of study for researchers world-wide. According
to Sturges & Guest (2004), there is a felt need to balance and integrate family needs
and career requirements and research in the field of work family interface has
increased dramatically in the past two decades (Frone, Yardley, & Markel, 1997).

Throughout history, work and life were basically integrated. Life activities like public
involvement, child care, and elder care happened together with the work. Work-Life
Balance is not a new concept it has evolved over time. Anne-Marie Slaughter, most
recently known for her controversial piece, “why women still cannot have it all”
forced a discussion among the corporate, political educational circles about how much
and when women can balance their personal lives with their careers.

Indian families are undergoing rapid changes due to the increased pace of
urbanization and modernization. Indian women belonging to all classes have entered
into paid occupations. For working women balancing a challenging career with life
outside work is a complex task. Working women have to maintain a balance between
family, career, health and society. In the current scenario it is very important that what
place a woman is holding in the society. At the present time,

This, along with economic pressure, has been instrumental in influencing women's
decision to enter the work force. And with the change in Indian society from joint
family system to nuclear families, the burden on women for selecting a suitable
alternative has become even more challenging. Most studies of employed married
women in India have reported economic need as being the primary reason given for
working.

Perception of parents on working women : Indian women's exposure to educational

opportunities is substantially higher than it was some decades ago, especially in the
urban setting. This has opened new vistas, increased awareness and raised aspirations
of personal growth.

Perception of inlaws on working women :

Though in-laws perefer a working daughterinlaw . Yet they want the women to
handle chores of life. But it is also true that women are more likely than men to adapt
their work patterns to meet family and child care demands because they are most
often the primary child caregiver in the home. Many studies have reported women
using several different adaptive strategies, such as engaging in entrepreneurial
activities, home-based work, and part-time work in order to balance family and work
demands better, especially the demands of child care.

The biggest remaining challenge is how to reconcile women’s new roles in the
workforce with their continuing role in the family. Resolving this tension has
implications not just for gender equity, but also for middle-class incomes

The aim of this paper is to build on existing knowledge to provide new empirical
evidence on the impact
  Earning but no say in decision making: Women from the middle class earn
money from working outside their home but her financial contribution does
not give her any say in family decision making.This undervaluation results in
low confidence and low productivity, while depriving them of the opportunity
to showcase their talent.The prevalent social norms for female are “Female
Homemaker norm” which assigns that the role of taking care of home and
children to Woman,

Though the role of women in lower middle class is improving However the urban
women be dropping out of the workforce, despite better educational qualifications and
a growing economy which should bring with it more opportunities.One hypothesis is
what’s known as the income effect —as income levels of households increase, women
workers withdraw from the workforce because families feel it is not necessary for the
women to work outside.

Attitude of husband :The favourable attitude of the husbands was a great source of
encouragement and happiness for the workingwomen. It was estimated that women
with great job security were highly satisfied with their life and leading a happy one as
compared to those workingwomen who were at the threat of job insecurity.

Regardless of the husband’s age, income bracket or

educational level, the study found that a wife’s
employment had a negative effect on her husband’s
mental health. Even those husbands who expressed
positive attitudes about their wives working were
found to be less satisfied in their home and work
lives than were the husbands of non-working wives.

Attitude of children

The study supports that working women instil confidence, social

awareness and a sense of commitment among their children with
multiple monetary benefits. Working women also act as role models for
the society and their children. But on the other hand, their job
patterns may have long-term consequences on their children's
development, as working mother have to reduce the duration of the
time to be spent with their children, moreover mothers’ exposure to
work-related stress negatively affects children's cognitive and
behavioural development leading to jerks in their holistic growth. In
contrast, a mother who takes time off from her job to spend it as
quality time with her child, her job doesn’t affect her personal
life.Many working mothers also felt that they were being good role
models for their children. In addition, they felt that they highly
valued what time they were able to spend with their children. Mothers
informed the researchers that at times working

Working mothers are more likely to serve as role models

for their daughters, and also tend to have higher income,
which increases the likelihood that the child will have a
higher income in adulthood.

Conclusion
It is important to acknowledge some potential limitations of the study. Firstly, the
research is limited to the Jaipur Region and may not be representative of
the entire country. Secondly, the survey relies on self-reported responses, which may
be subject to social desirability bias. Despite these limitations, study aims to provide
valuable insights into the prevailing attitudes towards working women in the specified
region. By employing a comprehensive research methodology, this study endeavors to
contribute to the understanding of societal and family perspectives on women's
employment, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by working
women in the service industry.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-measure-of-the-working-woman/
article67435724.ece

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want-in-the-next-25-years/articleshow/93546824.cms?
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CHAT GPT

The status of middle-class women in India has undergone significant changes due to
increased employment opportunities. While challenges remain, several positive trends
can be observed:

Economic Independence and Empowerment

 Financial Independence: Employment has provided middle-class women with financial

independence, allowing them to contribute to household income and make personal and family-
related financial decisions.
 Career Opportunities: More women are pursuing higher education and professional
careers in diverse fields such as IT, finance, medicine, and education.

Social and Cultural Changes

 Changing Gender Roles: Traditional gender roles are gradually evolving. Men are
increasingly participating in household chores and childcare, though the transition is slow.
 Increased Respect and Recognition: Employed women often gain more respect within
their families and communities, as their contributions to the household and society are
recognized.

Challenges and Barriers

 Work-Life Balance: Many middle-class women struggle to balance professional

responsibilities with traditional expectations of managing household duties.
 Workplace Discrimination: Issues such as gender pay gaps, limited opportunities for
advancement, and workplace harassment remain prevalent.
 Cultural Constraints: In certain areas, cultural and societal expectations continue to limit
the full participation of women in the workforce.

Policy and Government Initiatives

 Maternity Benefits: Policies like extended maternity leave and flexible working hours
aim to support women in balancing work and family life.
 Skill Development Programs: Government and non-governmental organizations offer
skill development and vocational training programs to enhance women's employability.

Health and Well-being

 Access to Healthcare: Employment often provides middle-class women with better
access to healthcare services, including mental health support.
 Stress and Mental Health: Balancing professional and personal life can lead to increased
stress and mental health issues, necessitating better support systems at both work and home.

Education and Personal Growth

 Higher Education: More middle-class women are pursuing higher education, leading to
greater professional opportunities and personal growth.
 Self-Confidence and Aspirations: Employment fosters a sense of self-confidence and
aspirations among women, encouraging them to set higher goals and pursue their dreams.

Community and Networking

 Professional Networks: Employed women have access to professional networks that can
provide support, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.
 Community Engagement: Working women often engage in community activities and
social causes, contributing to broader societal development.

The status of middle-class women in India post-employment reflects a complex

interplay of progress and persistent challenges. Continued efforts towards gender
equality, supportive policies, and cultural shifts are essential to further improve their
status and well-being.

Perception of Indian husband on working wives

ChatGPT

The perception of Indian husbands towards their working wives varies widely and is
influenced by factors such as cultural background, education, socio-economic status,
urban versus rural setting, and generational differences. Here are some general
observations:

Traditional Viewpoints

1. Conventional Roles: In many traditional households, there is an expectation that the

husband will be the primary breadwinner while the wife takes on the role of homemaker. This
can lead to resistance towards the idea of wives working outside the home.
2. Cultural Norms: Some conservative families may believe that a woman's primary duty is
towards her family and home, viewing working wives as neglecting these responsibilities.

Modern and Urban Perspectives

1. Economic Necessity: In urban areas, the high cost of living often necessitates dual
incomes. Husbands in such settings are more likely to support and appreciate their wives'
contributions to the household income.
2. Equality and Partnership: Educated and progressive husbands tend to view their wives
as equal partners. They support their career aspirations and share household responsibilities.
3. Career and Personal Fulfillment: Many modern couples recognize the importance of
personal fulfillment and career growth for both partners, leading to a more supportive attitude
towards working wives.

The perception of children towards working mothers can be influenced by various

factors, including cultural, societal, and family dynamics. Here are some key points:

1.

Role Modeling: Working mothers often serve as role models for their
children, demonstrating the importance of hard work, independence, and the
ability to balance multiple responsibilities. Children may develop a strong
sense of respect and admiration for their mothers' dedication and
accomplishments.

2.
3.

Gender Roles and Equality: Exposure to a working mother can help children
understand and challenge traditional gender roles, fostering a belief in gender
equality. This can lead to more progressive attitudes towards women's roles in
both the workplace and the home.

4.
5.

Self-Sufficiency: Children of working mothers may learn self-sufficiency and

responsibility at an earlier age. They might become more adept at managing
their time and completing tasks independently.

6.
7.

Quality Time: The quality of time spent with children often matters more than
the quantity. Working mothers who make the most of their time with their
children can create strong, meaningful bonds.

8.
9.
 Perception of Work-Life Balance: Children observe how their mothers
manage work and family life, which can influence their own future work-life
balance. Positive experiences can lead to children appreciating the benefits of
dual-income households and the fulfillment that a career can bring.

10.
11.

Emotional Impact: Some children may experience feelings of neglect or

longing for more parental presence, especially if the mother’s work demands
are high. However, this can be mitigated by ensuring that the children feel
valued and supported through quality interactions and open communication.

12.
13.

Academic and Career Aspirations: Research suggests that children,

particularly daughters, of working mothers are often more likely to pursue
higher education and career opportunities, inspired by their mothers'
achievements.

14.
15.

Societal and Cultural Influences: Societal norms and cultural backgrounds

play a significant role in shaping children's perceptions. In societies where
working mothers are common and valued, children are more likely to have
positive perceptions.

16.
17.

Peer Influence: Children's views can also be influenced by their peers'

attitudes towards working mothers. A supportive peer environment can
reinforce positive perceptions, while a negative environment can have the
opposite effect.

18.

Understanding and addressing these factors can help working mothers foster positive
perceptions in their children, balancing professional and familial roles effectively.