Paper short abstract:

Our research in Bangladesh shows a dynamic, morphogenetic situation for survey and interview data on Subjective Well-Being. We theorise how the well-being survey data relate to interview data. We triangulate using time-use diary data. Women in villages suffer considerable threats to their self-respect. Authors: Samantha Watson, Wendy Olsen, Daniel Neff, Simeen Mahmud, Maheen Sultan, Sohela Nazneen, Amaresh Dubey, Anup Mishra, and Santosh Kumar Singh.

Paper long abstract:

Our research in Bangladesh shows a dynamic situation based on survey and interview data on Subjective Well-Being. We theorise the situation based on conflicting survey data and interview data. We triangulate and, as a result, we innovate at the level of theory.

First we expose the clear desirability bias in our survey data on “subjective well-being”. People generally report being relatively satisfied with their lives, but this belies a complex lifeworld.

Secondly, we theorise based on interview data about the ongoing reality of multidimensional well-being. Here the fishing area of southern Bangladesh offers much more active engagement in market- and expenditure-saving work for women than in the north of the country.

We test this hypothesis using time-use diary data. Methodologically we innovate by using a retroductive method of logic in our interpretations. We also rest these upon theorising a morphogenetic (change-causing) cycle.

This paper uses data from 2015/6 about rural labour markets in Bangladesh. We present results using both standard mixed methods and innovative methods. We have time-use diary data and 90 interviews translated into English from the original local languages, all focusing on women's work and how families decide on work timings. These data are brought into correspondence with survey data from the same set of 450 rural Bangladeshi Households.

These findings reflect an ESRC DFID research project on Gender Norms, Labour Supply and Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh and India.

These findings are based on an ESRC DFID research project on Gender Norms, Labour Supply and Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh and India.