Impact Of Female Labour Force On The Economic Growth Of India

Written by: Deva Dharshini.P   , B.A.LL.B (3^rd Year ), Dhana Lakshmi Srinivasan University

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Saranya.S.R . B.A.LL.B (3^rd Year ), Dhana Lakshmi Srinivasan University

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         Nithya Sri.M, B.A.LL.B (3^rd Year ), Dhana Lakshmi Srinivasan University

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Anu.K ,B.A.LL.B (3^rd Year ), Dhana Lakshmi Srinivasan University

Abstract

India has experienced rapid economic growth, structural shifts in the economy, an increase in educational attainment levels, and rapid urbanization in the last twenty-five years. In the same period, there has been a 23% decline in the female labour force participation rate. What’s the relationship between economic growth and women’s economic activity? Is growth enough, or does the nature of growth matter in attracting more women to the labour force? This paper explores these questions using state-level employment data spanning the last twenty-five years, 1983-84 to 2009-10. Several cross-country and within-country studies suggest female labour Force participation tends to decline initially with economic development, plateaus at a certain stage of development before rising again. This is argued to be mainly a result of structural shifts. The results of the study also suggest that growth by itself is not sufficient to increase women’s economic activity, but the dynamics of growth matter. These findings are especially important.

Keywords: Female labour, force participation rate, economic growth, structural change, health, safety, and welfare of women.

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Volume 2 | Issue 2