The Status Of Lower Middle -Class Women In India Post Their Employment

Abstract

Work is a part of women's lives, irrespective of their social status. Today, women are making their presence felt by becoming financially independent. Educated working women act as agents of social change. This paper attempts to analyze women's participation in the labor force in India. The research is an exploratory study that examines the cognitive and behavioral perceptions of children, husbands, and in-laws of working women. It uses an extensive field survey of 30 families to explore the perceptions of husbands, children, and in-laws regarding the working women in their families. The study reveals that lower-class women contribute to the financial needs of the household. However, they are not empowered to make household decisions. The primary role of these women remains taking care of household chores and looking after children and elders. The study also documents that demographic variables like age, gender, and education do not significantly affect family members' perceptions of working women.