Gender Inequality- A Comparative Analysis of Gendered Time Inequality in India and Kerala

Abstract

Gender inequality in India remains a persistent challenge, manifesting across economic, social, cultural, and political spheres, with significant regional disparities. While India ranks 128 out of 189 countries on the Gender Inequality Index (GII), states like Kerala present a complex paradox, excelling in social development indicators yet facing entrenched gendered inequalities in economic participation. Gender inequality is not just a social issue, it has profound economic, health, and developmental consequences. Studying gender inequality is essential for understanding and addressing one of the most pervasive forms of human inequality, which affects rights across all societies. This study conducts a comparative analysis of gendered time inequality—the unequal distribution of time spent on unpaid care work, paid employment, education, and leisure—between India as a whole and the state of Kerala. Despite Kerala’s high female literacy rates, favourable sex ratios, and robust social welfare systems, women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid domestic and care work, limiting their labour force participation and economic independence. This shows a time inequality. This article examines the persistence of the rigid gender roles, exploring the concept of "time poverty" and the double burden faced by women in both the national and regional contexts. The study reveals that there exists a gap in gendered time allocation.