Domestic Work in India: The Hidden Backbone of the Economy
Context
Recent debates on gender roles, dowry deaths, domestic violence, and the invisibility of women’s unpaid work have brought the domestic sphere in India into sharper focus. Far from being a private matter, the household reflects structural inequalities that affect constitutional morality, social justice, and economic progress.
Current Realities
- Violence and Inequality
- NFHS-5: Nearly 30% of women face intimate partner violence, but only 14% file complaints.
- Around 7,000 dowry deaths annually (2017–22) highlight the persistence of structural violence.
- Time Use Survey (2024)
- 93% of women spend ~7 hours daily on unpaid domestic services.
- 41% of women spend ~2.5 hours on caregiving.
- Men contribute only 26 minutes to domestic work and 16 minutes to caregiving.
- Invisible Contribution
- SBI Report (2023): Women’s unpaid work would equal 7% of India’s GDP (~₹22.5 lakh crore) if monetised.
- Workers in Anganwadi, mid-day meals, and ASHA services remain labelled as “volunteers,” without formal recognition, wages, or social security.
Ethical and Constitutional Dimensions
- Violation of Equality – Contradicts Article 14 (Equality before Law) and Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination).
- Denial of Dignity – Domestic violence, marital rape debates, and undervaluation of unpaid work undermine Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).
- Conflict with Directive Principles – Article 39(d) (equal pay for equal work) and Article 42 (just and humane conditions of work) remain largely aspirational.
- ARC’s Warning – The 2nd ARC (Ethics in Governance) highlighted that deep-rooted patriarchy in social institutions is the greatest barrier to probity and justice.
Socio-Economic Significance
- Economic Subsidy – Women’s unpaid labour keeps subsistence wages low, indirectly subsidising the economy and capital.
- Intergenerational Impact – Care work sustains the social reproduction of labour, shaping child development, education, and health outcomes.
- Social Cohesion – Violence and inequality within homes ripple outward, weakening trust, productivity, and democratic participation.
Challenges
- Patriarchal Norms – Glorification of women’s “sacrifice” and adjustment in marriage.
- Policy Blindness – Reluctance to criminalise marital rape, dilution of domestic violence protections.
- Economic Undervaluation – Informalisation and lack of wages for care workers.
- Gendered Labour Divide – Women bear disproportionate household burden across class and caste lines.
- Institutional Silence – Lack of political discourse or systemic redressal for domestic violence and exploitation.
Way Forward
- Legal & Institutional Reforms
- Recognise and criminalise marital rape.
- Strengthen Domestic Violence Act implementation.
- Ensure fixed wages, benefits, and recognition for Anganwadi, ASHA, and mid-day meal workers.
- Economic Recognition
- Account for unpaid work in national accounts.
- Provide social security and pension schemes for caregivers.
- Cultural Shifts
- Campaigns to promote shared domestic responsibilities.
- Integrate gender sensitivity in school curricula.
- Policy Interventions
- Expand universal childcare and elderly care facilities.
- Enhance maternity and paternity benefits to redistribute care burdens.
- Data & Monitoring
- Conduct regular Time Use Surveys for gender-responsive policymaking.
Conclusion
The domestic sphere is not a private matter; it has economic, social, and ethical consequences for India’s growth and democracy. Recognising women’s invisible labour, ensuring dignity and protection, and redistributing responsibilities are crucial for realising a “nari-shakti-led” democracy rooted in constitutional morality and social justice.
Source : The Hindu
