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Paper long abstract:

This qualitative study examines the role of gender norms in shaping female labor force participation (FLFP) across South Asia, focusing on Bangladesh (urban/rural Dhaka), India (Chennai, Haryana), Pakistan (urban/rural Lahore), and Nepal (Madhesh, Bagmati, Sudurpaschim). The sample comprises 141 in-depth interviews and includes main female respondents (daughters/daughters-in-law), their mothers or mothers-in-law, and a male household member (husband/father-in-law/son). Methodologically, open-ended questions and vignettes were employed to explore employment-related behavior and gender norms. Findings reveal that entrenched gender norms perpetuate a cycle of economic exclusion for women, particularly in low-income households. Women’s domestic and caregiving responsibilities are prioritized above all else, limiting economic engagement and reinforcing financial dependence, which reduces decision-making power and entrenches traditional roles. In rural Haryana, rigid norms severely restrict FLFP, while in urban Chennai, women’s participation is more acceptable but typically under financial distress. Across all contexts, women’s economic activities are framed as responses to necessity rather than empowerment, reflecting the lack of intrinsic value attributed to their labor. Interestingly, women express higher aspirations for their daughters, emphasizing education and economic independence, but continue to uphold traditional expectations for daughters-in-law. This generational disparity highlights potential for change but underscores structural and societal barriers that marginalize women in wage employment. Finally, while financial need is a primary motivator for women’s work, vignette analysis reveals intrinsic motivators such as independence, knowledge, and respect. These findings highlight the need to address restrictive norms and reframe women’s economic participation as empowerment rather than a response to financial distress.