Author: Ritika Nayan
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/PP/020400013
Abstract: The rapid process of urbanization has significantly transformed the social, economic, and cultural lives of women in Indian cities. This paper examines the work and family balance of women in urban Patna in the context of ongoing urbanization, using secondary data sources to understand emerging patterns and challenges. The study draws upon data from the Census of India, National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) reports, and relevant government publications and scholarly literature. These sources provide insights into women’s employment participation, household responsibilities, family structures, and access to social support systems in urban settings. The analysis reveals that urbanization in Patna has led to increased educational attainment and workforce participation among women, particularly in the service and informal sectors. However, this transition has not resulted in a proportional redistribution of domestic and caregiving responsibilities. Women continue to shoulder the primary burden of unpaid household work, childcare, and elder care, leading to a persistent dual role of wage earner and family caretaker. The study highlights that long working hours, job insecurity, lack of affordable childcare facilities, and limited family friendly workplace policies further intensify work–family imbalance among urban women. Additionally, the findings indicate that changing family structures, such as the shift from joint to nuclear families, have reduced traditional support networks, increasing stress and time pressure for working women. Despite these constraints, urbanization has also contributed to greater autonomy, decision-making power, and evolving gender norms among women in Patna. Access to education, exposure to urban lifestyles, and participation in paid work have strengthened women’s sense of identity and aspirations, even as structural barriers remain. The paper concludes that while urbanization has expanded economic opportunities for women in urban Patna, it has simultaneously deepened the challenge of balancing work and family roles. The study emphasizes the need for gender-sensitive urban policies, improved childcare infrastructure, flexible work arrangements, and greater involvement of men in domestic responsibilities to promote a more equitable work–family balance. By relying on secondary data, this paper contributes to the broader sociological understanding of gender, work, and family dynamics in rapidly urbanizing Indian cities.
Keywords: Work–Family Balance, Urban Women, Urbanization, Secondary Data, Gender Roles, Patna.
Page No: 86-92