Those activities which contribute to the gross national product are called economic activities. All those who are engaged in economic activities, in whatever capacity — high or low, are workers. Even if some of them temporarily abstain from work due to illness, injury or other physical disability, bad weather, festivals, social or religious functions, they are also workers. Workers also include all those who help the main workers in these activities. We generally think of only those who are paid by an employer for their work as workers. This is not so. Those who are self-employed are also workers. The nature of employment in India is multifaceted. Some get employment throughout the year; some others get employed for only a few months in a year. Many workers do not get fair wages for their work. While estimating the number of workers, all those who are engaged in economic activities are included as employed. During 2017-18, India had about a 471 million strong workforce. Since majority of our people reside in rural areas, the proportion of workforce residing there is higher.

Consider the following statements in reference to the women work force in India and identify the correct statements.

A. It is common to find that where men are able to earn high incomes, families discourage female members from taking up jobs.

B. Many household activities done by women are recognized as productive work.

C. Women workers are found more in urban areas in comparison to rural areas.

Only A

The correct answer is Option 1: Only A

A. It is common to find that where men are able to earn high incomes, families discourage female members from taking up jobs. This is correct.

B. Many household activities done by women are recognized as productive work. This is incorrect. Many household activities done by women like like cooking, fetching water and fuel wood are not recognised as productive work. This narrow definition of work leads to non-recognition of women’s work and, therefore, to the underestimation of the number of women workers in the country.

C. Women workers are found more in urban areas in comparison to rural areas. This is incorrect. Compared to females, more males are found to be working. Women workers are found more in rural areas in comparison to urban areas- for every 100 urban females, only about 14 are engaged in some economic activities. In rural areas, for every 100 rural women about 18 participate in the employment market.