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Paper long abstract

Gender disparity in time allocation to paid and unpaid work is an observed phenomenon globally, and India is not an exception. The problem of gender disparity in time use is important, as it could influence the economic opportunities, social well-being, and overall empowerment of women. This study examines the extent of disparity that exists in time allocation in paid and unpaid activity among men and women in households across Indian states/UTs. Specifically, it investigates whether the time allocation pattern in unpaid activity is different from the general trend if both male and female are employed in similar broad statuses of employment across the geographical regions of India. Furthermore, the study examines whether there is any significant difference in the mean time allocated to unpaid activities between employed and unemployed women. The analysis also tries to determine the factors influencing the gender differences in time allocation to unpaid activity across the states/UTs of India.

The study further explores how the time male and female spend on unpaid labor influences the female labour force participation rate (FLPR), controlling for the socio-economic and geographic factors. The findings reveal that even if males and females are employed in comparable types of work, there exists a huge disparity in time allocation to unpaid activity, particularly among regular salaried employees.