Abstract

With the transformation of a society from a matriarchal to patriarchal one women by and by become the weaker section of the society. But the women’s role in the development process cannot be denied, as they are also a vital part of the society. Despite efforts from the government and non-government organizations no significant results have yet been observed. Present study will explore the status of both employed and unemployed women in decision making at household level also it will find out whether employment helps women to have more control on decision making. Moreover a sectoral difference of the status between job and jobless women will be examined. The data study is based on the NFHS-3 data, 2005-06. Focus of the study is to examine the role of women in taking various household decisions such as monetary transaction, daily and large purchases, visiting relative or friend’s house etc. An empowerment index is used to compare the status of employed and unemployed women. Also multivariate analysis and mean compare tests are done to find out the effects of the explanatory variables namely education and occupation of both respondent and her husband, media exposure and standard of living on the above said decision-making variables. Indian social fabric does not encourage women to take job, therefore a large number of women are not in jobs. So it is necessary to know whether employment really helps to gain any extra power in the house.