Women in Decision Making for Economic Independence

Abstract

Family is the area in which the role of women is most prominent. Women’s decision making power in the family is assumed to be reflective of her position in the household. This study explores the various factors, which determinants women’s decision making. The overall objective of the study is to investigate the role of employed women compared to unemployed women in household decision making and also to find the various other factor which influence women’s household decision making. The study was conducted in Rohtak district of Haryana. A multi stage random sampling technique was used for selecting the households, the primary sampling unit. The sample consists of 100 households with women respondents in that half employed and other unemployed. Statistical techniques such as Chi-square analysis, regression analysis, percentages, averages etc. have been used in the study. The study found decision making power varies within families due to many factors. In that, employment is one of the most important factors. Other factors like education, monthly income etc. also found influencing women’s household decision making power. There is a link between these three variables. That is education helps to get gainful employment which in turn leads to an earning capacity .The study concluded that this earning capacity or economic independence is the foremost factor which influence women’s household decision making.”