Paper Details

This research investigates the critical role of support systems in enabling married Indian women to participate in full-time employment while managing household responsibilities. Despite increasing female labor force participation in India, married women often face significant challenges in balancing professional demands with deeply entrenched societal expectations regarding their domestic roles. This study examines the various forms of support that facilitate their sustained engagement in full-time work, including familial support (from husbands, parents, in-laws), domestic help, childcare facilities, and workplace policies. Drawing upon qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with a diverse group of full-time employed married women across different socio-economic backgrounds in India, this research explores the nature and extent of the support they receive, the impact of this support on their work-life balance and career progression, and the challenges faced when such support is inadequate or absent. The findings highlight the nuanced ways in which different types of support intersect and contribute to women's ability to navigate their dual roles. The study also analyzes how cultural norms and familial structures influence the availability and acceptance of various support mechanisms. Furthermore, the research considers the implications of these findings for policy interventions and workplace practices aimed at promoting gender equality and facilitating women's economic empowerment in India. By understanding the crucial role of support systems, this paper contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the factors enabling or hindering married Indian women's full participation in the workforce and offers insights for creating more supportive environments for working mothers.

Support systems, full-time employment, Married Indian women