Exploring The Economic Foundation Of Gender Disparity Beyond Social Norms

Vaishnavi Sharma, Institute of Law, Nirma University Priyanka Gandhi, Institute of Law, Nirma University

ABSTRACT

Economics is the study of resource allocation within households and families, fundamentally shaped by individuals within society. To gain a holistic understanding of the economy, we must adopt a societal perspective. An essential question emerges: should we view economics through a gender lens? Gender and its associated inequalities exert profound influence on the economy at large and it is also one of the indicators of the economic progress of a country. Despite significant strides in women's education, this progress hasn't translated into increased female workforce participation. Alarming data from the UN reveals that women's job market participation has remained below 50% globally for a quarter-century. This gender disparity is starkly evident when comparing India's 37% workforce participation to the USA's 68.5%.

This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of gender and economic inequalities, drawing insights from India, developed as well as developing nations. It delves into the gender-based earnings gap, examining its impact on economic productivity. Additionally, it critically evaluates government policies and their effectiveness in bridging the gender divide. This study aims to provide a comprehensive view of the multifaceted relationship between gender and economics, offering valuable insights for policymakers and researchers seeking solutions to enhance gender equity in the workforce.

Keywords: Economics, gender inequality, workforce participation, households, comparison.