Comparative study of the unpaid work of working and non working women of urban Punjab a time use survey

Abstract

Unpaid work dominates the life of every woman, irrespective of their place of residence in the world. Unpaid household work and women are so strongly entwined that the thought of one without other does not appear in the mindset of people. Although unpaid work is associated with several positive externalities yet it doesn t receive the respect and recognition, it deserves. The present study is an attempt to bring forth many dimensions of unpaid work of women of urban Punjab through a Time Use Survey. The objectives of the study are: (1) To make a comparative study of the allocation of time to unpaid work by working and non-working women of urban Punjab, (2) Estimate the imputed value of the unpaid work and its contribution in State Domestic Product, (3) Determine the intra-household allocation of time to unpaid work and (4) Explore the various factors affecting the allocation of time to unpaid work by working and non-working women of urban Punjab. To achieve these objectives Primary data was collected through Interview Schedule from 198 each working and non-working women of urban Punjab. Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar were the three districts chosen for study. As per the findings of the study non-working women give more time to unpaid work than working women of urban Punjab. The monetary value of unpaid work of women of Punjab is 26.75 percent of GSDP as per Opportunity Cost Approach, 5.37 percent of GSDP as per Replacement Cost Generalist Approach, and 22.76 percent of GSDP as per Willingness to Accept Approach. As far as intra- household allocation of time to unpaid work is concerned, married couples jointly share the burden of unpaid work. The study explores eight factors that affect the burden of unpaid work of women. These eight factors are: Demographic Profile, Support Structure, Health and Wellbeing, Social Norms, House maker s Attitude, Extended Family, Gender Ideology and Western Influence. newline newline newline