Neha Verma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Economics, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, IN

Abstract

Objective: The paper attempts to unravel the household bargaining power and autonomy in marital practices among young Indian women vis-à-vis their husband and older women in the household. Statistical Analysis: The unit level Indian Human Development Survey-II (2011-12) data is used for the study. Individual and household level autonomy is assessed through attributes like decision making in the household, mobility, financial autonomy and social and political consciousness among women. However, marital practices are studied in relation to marital history and nature of marital relationship. The differences in the percentages of young and old women with respect of these attributes are tested through two group mean comparison using t-testing and significance of the difference is noted and conclusions are drawn. Findings: The major finding of the study is the presence of gendered division of work in the household in Indian society. Women after marriage remain under the influence of older women in the household and take up more prominent role as they get older. The education level of younger women fails to increase her decision making autonomy and mobility. However, education and work independence are important in enhancing women autonomy on various other fronts. A pragmatic change in the attitude of both men and women is required for gender equality in household and in society as a whole.

Keywords

Bargaining Power, Women Autonomy, Marital Practices, Women Agency.

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Neha Verma ¹, Madhur Ajmani Sethi ¹, Seema Mehra Parihar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Geography, Department of Geography, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, IN

Abstract

Objective: The study seeks to discuss the factors affecting the agency of Indian married women within the household, using unit level Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) – II data (2011-12). There are individual and societal level factors that favourably or unfavourably affect women’s autonomy. The effects of age at the time of gauna, gender composition of children, purdah system, caste, religion, type of residence and exogamy on women autonomy are assessed after controlling for education level, wealth status, employment status and literacy status of parents, husband and in-laws.

Statistical Analysis: Ordinal logistic regression technique has been used to study the impact on decision making ability in the household and mobility of women.

Findings/Application: The results point to the significant differences among religious groups, however, the caste groups do not reveal any significant differences with respect to women autonomy. Education and employment status turn out to be favourable factors for women agency though education level fails to make significant impact on the bargaining power of women in the household.

Keywords

Women Agency, Bargaining Power, Mobility of Women, Autonomy.

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