Fourth International Conference on Communication & Media Studies

Abstract

This study explores the extent of internet usage by married women of Vadodara city for performing their household responsibilities. It considers household responsibilities, internet usage patterns, experiences while using the internet and problems faced while using the internet. The sample was 350 married women of Vadodara city, who were using the internet. The sample of the study was selected through purposive and snowball techniques. Data was collected through both qualitative and quantitative methods. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the quantitative data whereas an interview schedule was used to collect qualitative data. The data were analyzed using different statistical measures viz ANOVA, Posthoc, Intensity Indices. The findings of the study reveal that the internet was used to a moderate extent by married women for performing their household responsibilities. Internet usage for household responsibilities was high for socializing and entertainment related household responsibilities whereas it was moderate for kitchen management and child care management related household responsibilities.The qualitative findings reflect the use of the internet by married women for kitchen management, childcare, finance management, and socialization and entertainment related household responsibilities. Married women suggested have a training session on the effective use of the internet for performing household responsibilities.The training for using the internet and computer may enable women to make the best use of the internet to perform their household responsibilities. Educational institutions or other government services, as well as a non-government organization, might take such initiative.