Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define the division of labor (DoL) within the family system.
- Provide context on how traditional Indian family systems historically divided labor based on gender and age.
- Introduce the factors driving change, such as urbanization, industrialization, and changing societal norms.
Example:
“The division of labor in Indian families traditionally adhered to strict gender roles, with men focusing on income generation and women handling domestic responsibilities. However, economic shifts, urbanization, and increasing gender awareness have significantly altered this dynamic.”
2. Body Structure
(i) Traditional Patterns of Division of Labor
- Highlight the rigid roles in joint families, with women managing household chores and caregiving, and men contributing through financial means.
- Mention the role of extended family members, like grandparents, in supporting childcare and household tasks.
(ii) Changes in Division of Labor
- Increased Female Workforce Participation
- Data: Women now account for 36% of the IT sector workforce, with over 20 lakh employed.
- Impact: More women juggling professional and domestic responsibilities, leading to shared roles.
- Active Role of Grandparents
- Impact: Grandparents have become key childcare providers, especially in dual-income nuclear families.
- Greater Male Participation in Domestic Work
- Factors: Gender equality awareness, dual-income families.
- Impact: Men increasingly engage in unpaid domestic tasks like cooking and cleaning.
- Hiring External Help
- Data: Agencies like Bharat Maid Agency cater to rising demands for domestic help due to nuclear family structures.
- Impact: Reduced household burden on family members.
- Technological Interventions
- Data: The online grocery market grew by 66% CAGR between 2019-2022.
- Impact: Eased household management through digital tools and services.
(iii) Implications of Changing DoL
- Enhanced gender equality and family flexibility.
- Challenges in balancing professional and personal roles, especially for women.
3. Conclusion
- Summarize the evolution of DoL in Indian families.
- Highlight how societal and technological progress has fostered shared responsibilities and egalitarian roles.
- Suggest that addressing existing inequalities and adapting to evolving norms is essential for harmonious family dynamics.
Relevant Facts for the Answer
- Women in Workforce
- Women constitute 36% of the IT sector workforce.
- Role of Technology
- The online grocery market grew by 66% CAGR from 2019 to 2022.
- Hiring Domestic Help
- Agencies like Bharat Maid Agency provide professional domestic services reflecting rising trends in external help.
- Men in Domestic Work
- Growing awareness of gender equality has encouraged men’s active participation in domestic tasks.
- Grandparents in Childcare
- Nuclear family structures have increased reliance on grandparents for caregiving responsibilities.
This roadmap ensures a comprehensive and well-structured answer
Model Answer
The division of labor (DoL) within Indian families has transformed significantly over time due to social, economic, and technological changes. These shifts reflect a gradual move toward more egalitarian family structures and shared responsibilities.
1. Increased Participation of Women in Paid Work
2. Changing Role of Grandparents in Childcare
3. Growing Participation of Men in Domestic Work
4. Rise in Hiring External Help
5. Role of Technology
Conclusion
The evolution of DoL in Indian families reflects changing societal norms, increasing gender equality, and technological advancements. While these changes foster flexibility and shared responsibilities, addressing persisting inequalities and fostering harmonious family dynamics will be essential for a balanced future.