Which of the following statements best explains the paradox where poorer households exhibit higher paid work participation among women than wealthier households?
(a) Poorer households are more likely to send women into the labour market due to financial needs.
(b) Women from wealthier households are more likely to help the household in unpaid agricultural work.
(c) Paid work among poorer women is primarily driven by government mandates under rural schemes.
(d) Labour force participation in wealthier households is higher due to greater childcare support and flexible jobs.

Question

Which of the following statements best explains the paradox where poorer households exhibit higher paid work participation among women than wealthier households?
(a) Poorer households are more likely to send women into the labour market due to financial needs.
(b) Women from wealthier households are more likely to help the household in unpaid agricultural work.
(c) Paid work among poorer women is primarily driven by government mandates under rural schemes.
(d) Labour force participation in wealthier households is higher due to greater childcare support and flexible jobs.

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

The Economic Survey 2024-25 observed that 34 percent of surveyed women were engaged in paid work, most pronounced among poorer households. In the households below average levels of wealth in the sample, 46 per cent of women are engaged in paid work, whereas less than 15 percent of women are engaged in paid work if they come from the top 10 percent of wealthiest households in the sample. The major reason for this paradox is economic necessity, which compels poorer women to seek paid work.

Sociology

Gender and Work Participation

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Which of the following statements best explains the paradox where poorer households exhibit higher paid work participation among women than wealthier households? (a) Poorer households are more likely to send women into the labour market due to financial needs. (b) Women from wealthier households are more likely to help the household in unpaid agricultural work. (c) Paid work among poorer women is primarily driven by government mandates under rural schemes. (d) Labour force participation in wealthier households is higher due to greater childcare support and flexible jobs.