Q 6(b). लिंग-आधारित घरेलू श्रम-विभाजन से आप क्या समझते हैं? क्या औपचारिक रोजगार के क्षेत्र में महिलाओं की बढ़ती भागीदारी के कारण इसमें कोई बदलाव आ रहा है? अपने उत्तर को उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट कीजिए।
(UPSC 2025,20 Marks,250 Words)
Theme:
Changing Gender Roles in Domestic Labor
Where in Syllabus:
(Sociology)
What do you understand by gender-based domestic division of labour? Is it undergoing a change in the wake of increasing participation of women in formal employment? Clarify your answer with illustrations.
Q 6(b). लिंग-आधारित घरेलू श्रम-विभाजन से आप क्या समझते हैं? क्या औपचारिक रोजगार के क्षेत्र में महिलाओं की बढ़ती भागीदारी के कारण इसमें कोई बदलाव आ रहा है? अपने उत्तर को उदाहरण देकर स्पष्ट कीजिए।
(UPSC 2025,20 Marks,250 Words)
Theme:
Changing Gender Roles in Domestic Labor
Where in Syllabus:
(Sociology)
What do you understand by gender-based domestic division of labour? Is it undergoing a change in the wake of increasing participation of women in formal employment? Clarify your answer with illustrations.
प्रस्तावना
The evolution of gender roles in domestic labor reflects shifting societal norms. Historically, domestic tasks were predominantly women's responsibility, but recent studies, like those by Arlie Hochschild, highlight a gradual shift towards more equitable distribution. The Pew Research Center reports that men now contribute more to household chores than in previous decades. Despite progress, disparities persist, with women still performing a larger share. This ongoing change challenges traditional norms and redefines family dynamics.
Changing Gender Roles in Domestic Labor
● Gender-Based Domestic Division of Labour:
○ Refers to the traditional allocation of household tasks and responsibilities based on gender roles. Typically, women are expected to handle domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, while men are often associated with tasks outside the home or those requiring physical strength.
● Historical Context:
○ Historically, this division has been rooted in patriarchal norms where men were seen as the breadwinners and women as homemakers. This has led to an unequal distribution of unpaid domestic work.
● Change Due to Women's Participation in Formal Employment:
○ With the increasing participation of women in the formal workforce, there is a noticeable shift in the domestic division of labour. Women are now contributing significantly to household income, challenging traditional roles.
● Illustrations of Change:
● Shared Responsibilities: In many urban households, there is a growing trend of shared domestic responsibilities. For instance, men are increasingly participating in cooking and childcare.
● Flexible Work Arrangements: Companies offering flexible work hours or remote work options have enabled both partners to balance work and home responsibilities more equitably.
● Cultural Shifts: Media and educational campaigns promoting gender equality have influenced societal attitudes, encouraging men to take on more domestic duties.
● Statistical Evidence:
○ According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the time spent by men on unpaid care work has increased by 15% over the last decade in several countries.
○ In India, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data indicates a gradual increase in the percentage of men participating in household chores.
● Challenges and Limitations:
○ Despite these changes, women still bear a disproportionate share of domestic work. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report highlights that women perform at least twice as much unpaid domestic work as men globally.
● Cultural Resistance: In many rural and traditional settings, the change is slower due to deep-rooted cultural norms and lack of awareness.
● Policy Interventions:
○ Governments and organizations are implementing policies to support this transition, such as paternity leave and subsidized childcare services, to encourage a more balanced division of labour at home.
● Conclusion:
○ While there is a positive trend towards a more equitable domestic division of labour, significant disparities remain. Continued efforts in policy, education, and cultural change are essential to further this progress.
○ Refers to the traditional allocation of household tasks and responsibilities based on gender roles. Typically, women are expected to handle domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, while men are often associated with tasks outside the home or those requiring physical strength.
● Historical Context:
○ Historically, this division has been rooted in patriarchal norms where men were seen as the breadwinners and women as homemakers. This has led to an unequal distribution of unpaid domestic work.
● Change Due to Women's Participation in Formal Employment:
○ With the increasing participation of women in the formal workforce, there is a noticeable shift in the domestic division of labour. Women are now contributing significantly to household income, challenging traditional roles.
● Illustrations of Change:
● Shared Responsibilities: In many urban households, there is a growing trend of shared domestic responsibilities. For instance, men are increasingly participating in cooking and childcare.
● Flexible Work Arrangements: Companies offering flexible work hours or remote work options have enabled both partners to balance work and home responsibilities more equitably.
● Cultural Shifts: Media and educational campaigns promoting gender equality have influenced societal attitudes, encouraging men to take on more domestic duties.
● Statistical Evidence:
○ According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the time spent by men on unpaid care work has increased by 15% over the last decade in several countries.
○ In India, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data indicates a gradual increase in the percentage of men participating in household chores.
● Challenges and Limitations:
○ Despite these changes, women still bear a disproportionate share of domestic work. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report highlights that women perform at least twice as much unpaid domestic work as men globally.
● Cultural Resistance: In many rural and traditional settings, the change is slower due to deep-rooted cultural norms and lack of awareness.
● Policy Interventions:
○ Governments and organizations are implementing policies to support this transition, such as paternity leave and subsidized childcare services, to encourage a more balanced division of labour at home.
● Conclusion:
○ While there is a positive trend towards a more equitable domestic division of labour, significant disparities remain. Continued efforts in policy, education, and cultural change are essential to further this progress.
निष्कर्ष
The shift in gender roles within domestic labor reflects evolving societal norms. Studies show men now contribute 40% more to household tasks than in the 1960s. Arlie Hochschild highlights the "second shift" women face, balancing work and home duties. Despite progress, disparities persist. OECD data reveals women still perform 60% of unpaid work. Encouraging equitable task-sharing and promoting flexible work policies can further balance domestic responsibilities, fostering gender equality in the home.