Labour and gender

Combining empirical macro evidence and detailed case studies based on fieldwork, this book deals with the interrelated issues of labour, gender and survival among urban workers and the urban poor in India. It provides a gendered understanding of the functioning of the urban labour market and of household survival strategies. By weaving together theoretical insights and empirical evidence, Dr. Kalpagam suggests ways of introducing gender as an analytical category into the discipline of political economy and of introducing patriarchy into studies of the labour market. The book argues forcefully that gender issues cannot be studied in isolation but must be located within the structural context and dynamics of the economy. The author bases her conclusions on a wide cross-section of case studies which include rag-pickers, construction workers, slum and pavement vendors, fisherwomen and export garment workers. In the process, Dr. Kalpagam examines the experiences of women's groups, their struggles and efforts at mobilisation, thereby providing valuable insights into the women's movement in India. Bringing together interesting case studies and analytical insights into the macro-economy within a rigorous theoretical and conceptual framework, this book will interest economists and those engaged in gender studies and development studies.