Why in News: The issue of the domestic sphere in India has gained attention following the release of the Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, which revealed stark gender inequalities in unpaid domestic and caregiving work.
Introduction
- The domestic sphere is central to women’s lives in India, yet it remains undervalued and burdened with inequality.
- Despite economic growth and changing social norms, violence within homes, unequal sharing of work, and invisibilisation of women’s contributions continue.
- Addressing these challenges is essential for genuine gender justice and inclusive development.
Challenges in the Domestic Sphere
1. Violence and Safety Concerns
- Over 7,000 dowry deaths annually (2017–2022: ~35,000 deaths).
- 30% of women report spousal violence (NFHS-5).
- Only 14% of cases are formally reported to police → underreporting due to stigma, fear, and lack of support.
- Domestic violence remains one of the largest categories of crimes against women in India.
- Cultural pressures force women to “adjust” or stay in violent marriages.
2. Unpaid Work and Time Use Inequality
Time Use Survey 2024:
- 93% of women spend ~7 hours/day on domestic services (cooking, cleaning, washing).
- 41% women spend ~2.5 hours/day on caregiving.
- Men average 26 minutes/day on domestic work and 16 minutes/day on caregiving.
- Women’s total working hours (paid + unpaid) exceed men’s, leaving them less time for sleep, leisure, and self-care.
- Burden is higher among women from SC/ST and lower-income groups, reflecting class and caste inequalities.
3. Undervaluation of Women’s Work
- Work within homes is considered “natural” duty, not recognised as economic activity.
- Anganwadi, mid-day meal, and ASHA workers—engaged in vital care roles—are treated as “volunteers”, not employees.
- SBI estimate (2023): Women’s unpaid work = 7% of GDP (~₹22.5 lakh crore/year) if monetised.
- Women’s unpaid labour subsidises low wages by reducing cost of social reproduction of labour.
Way Forward
1. Legal and Social Measures
- Strengthen mechanisms against domestic violence and dowry harassment.
- Encourage reporting of cases by making systems safe and supportive.
- Widespread awareness campaigns to change mindsets about gender roles.
2. Recognition of Women’s Work
- Acknowledge unpaid domestic and caregiving work in policy discussions.
- Provide fair wages and social security to community health and child-care workers.
- Link minimum wage policies to the recognition of household labour’s contribution.
3. Reducing Inequalities in Household Work
- Promote shared domestic responsibilities between men and women.
- Introduce educational and workplace sensitisation on gender-equitable roles.
- State-supported facilities for childcare, eldercare, healthcare, and quality education to reduce women’s disproportionate load.
Conclusion
The domestic sphere reflects the deepest layers of gender inequality in India. Violence within homes, invisibilisation of unpaid work, and undervaluation of care services highlight structural challenges. Addressing these through legal, social, and economic reforms will not only empower women but also strengthen India’s path toward inclusive development.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper I (Society):
- Role of women and women’s organisations.
Mains Practice Question
Q. The domestic sphere in India continues to reflect gendered inequalities in violence, unpaid work, and recognition of labour. Discuss with reference to recent surveys. (10 marks)