Gender Inequality in Family and Work-PLACE: An Empirical Study in Three Urban Centres in Karnataka, India

Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment or perception of individuals based on their sex. It reflects and manifests in numerous dimensions of our life. Gender inequality and resultant discrimination in varying degrees on the grounds of sex are commonly witnessed, admitted and even justified in India. Despite the policy measures to overcome gender discrimination, gender inequalities within the family and at work place still exist. Most of the forms of discrimination against women have their roots in patriarchal system and its values. Women are dominated over by their male members in their own family. They have little power in making decisions.

The present paper proposes to examine the nature and extent of gender inequality within the family and work place. The main objectives of the study are to analyse the power dimensions of women in family and work place and to examine their participation in decision-making process. This empirical study is based on field data conducted in three urban centres of Karnataka State, India. The data are collected from 500 working women. The findings of the study proved that, the power dimension splits vertically; women are discriminated by the male members in their own family and work place, they are marginalised on the bases of gender. It is suggested that progress towards Gender equality requires empowerment of women which will lead to notable changes in gender relations.