Gender Dynamics of Long-Term Trends in Urban Labour Market of India

This book examines the long-term dynamics of urban labour market behaviour of women and men over three and a half decades, spanning the period from 1987-88 to 2023-24. It provides a detailed understanding of the topic by incorporating data and information that cover both the supply and demand sides of the labour market. The book distinguishes itself from similar studies by adopting a life-cycle approach for women so as to enable a holistic coverage of various dimensions that hamper or facilitate their economic participation at every stage of life. It examines the gender differences in labour market behaviour and outcomes of young graduate women, married working age women, as well as elderly women. It also undertakes a time-use analysis for understanding the impact of education on gender differences in the distribution of unpaid domestic responsibilities among adolescent girls and boys. Likewise, among the married women fully engaged in household work, the book explores the potential for their integration into the labour force if employment opportunities are accessible at their household. Combining quantitative analysis of secondary datasets with qualitative analysis of primary survey interviews, this study provides an evidence-based depiction of gendered labour market realities and the policy approach to address them. The qualitative approach uses narrative-building to capture the lived experiences of women and men employed in the public transport and sanitation sectors. This book will serve as an important resource for understanding of female labour market by researchers, scholars, policymakers, practitioners, NGOs, and students of gender and labour studies.