Patriarchy and Gendered Norms: Examining their Influence on Women's Workforce Participation and Economic Empowerment in India

G. Pavithra, Dr. Prabha D

Abstract: In India, despite significant legal reforms and policy initiatives promoting gender equality, female labour force participation remains strikingly low due to deeply ingrained patriarchal norms, gender socialization, and gendered expectations. These socio - cultural barriers restrict women's access to economic opportunities, confining them to lower - paying, lower - status roles, and limiting their participation in high - skill and leadership positions. This paper explores how these entrenched factors perpetuate gendered inequalities within India's labour market and hinder the economic empowerment of women. The purpose of this research is to investigate the systemic barriers-rooted in patriarchy and gendered social norms-that inhibit women's labour force participation and economic agency. By analysing the intersectionality of these barriers, the study aims to understand the challenges women face in accessing economic opportunities and highlight the urgent need for comprehensive cultural and policy reforms. This study utilizes a targeted comparative approach and focused quantitative analysis. Drawing from secondary data including national labour surveys, Indian Census, government reports, and feminist literature, the research identifies trends in female labour force participation, wage disparities, and occupational segregation. Emphasis is placed on qualitative analysis to explore the role of gendered socialization and patriarchal norms. The comparative approach examines labour force participation across various socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, castes, and urban - rural divides, with additional content analysis of media and literature to understand the influence of portrayals of women in the workforce. The findings reveal a persistent gender gap in employment. Despite legal and policy advances, patriarchal structures continue to hinder progress. The study concludes that true economic empowerment for women in India requires a fundamental shift in societal values-dismantling patriarchal norms to foster a truly inclusive economic environment.

Keywords: Female Labour Force Participation, Patriarchy, Gender Socialization, Economic Empowerment, Gendered Norms

How to Cite?: G. Pavithra, Dr. Prabha D, "Patriarchy and Gendered Norms: Examining their Influence on Women's Workforce Participation and Economic Empowerment in India", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 239-244, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25126152513, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25126152513