Change in Household Expenditure Pattern Due to Women's Participation in Income Augmentation Activities (A Case Study of District U.S.Nagar, Uttarakhand)

Abstract

Globally women comprise almost half of the total population. They are the most important resource of their family and the country. They actively participate in development discourse. While they represent half the global population and one-third of the labor force, they receive only one-tenth of the global income and less than 1% of global property. This state of affairs leaves them in uncomfortable and disabling environment; their unrealized potential inevitably renders the impact of development unsatisfactory. To convert this active yet latent reserve is a persistent development challenge. Plethora of empirical evidence proves beyond doubt that improvement in women's education, health, employment opportunities and participation in income generating activities (economic independence) can generate significant returns. According to Quibria ( 1993), Summer( 1992), investment in women not only benefits women themselves but also has great social returns. Women's formal employment or paid work is considered to be one of the most important factor enhancing women's empowerment and autonomy. This study attempts to explore the dynamic changes in status of the household, due to wives earnings. Research work was carried out in newly developed city of Udham Singh Nagar in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. U.S.Nagar was chosen purposively as it truly represents the geography and economy of the state.