It is high time we recognise the value of unpaid domestic chores done by housewives

For women homemakers in India, an acknowledgement and monetisation of their work will help build a future where homemaking is legally defined, creating a more equitable society

At the heart of every Indian household is a pivotal force that propels its functioning—the homemaker. Traditionally confined to the domestic realm, their contributions often go unnoticed and unaccounted for. However, a shift is now underway, urging us to reassess the role of homemakers and consider compensation for their invaluable contributions.

Eminent sociologist and anthropologist Leela Dube has noted, “The family serves as a microcosm of the larger society, reflecting and reinforcing prevailing norms and power structures." The evolution of law, as history demonstrates, is at best a slow process, and is reflective of the social, cultural, and economic changes that happen over time. It allows loopholes to be amended and, in turn, effectively protects the subject. From the abolition of sati and the legalisation of widow remarriage to the eradication of child marriage and improvements in inheritance rules for women, the legislative process is prolonged and adaptive. In a similar context, we attempt to explore the advocacy for salaried homemakers in India, envisioning a future where homemaking is legally defined and warrants financial compensation. 

The Seeds Sown 

The Oxford Dictionary defines a homemaker as "a woman or person (more often a woman) whose main occupation is caring for her family, managing household affairs, and doing housework, while her husband or partner goes out to work." The Thesaurus, meanwhile, offers synonyms like 'home economist,' 'home engineer,' and 'family manager'. The irony here is hard to ignore.

Recent census figures reveal that 48 per cent of India’s  population comprises women, with over 180 million as homemakers. These individuals spend more than 400 minutes a day on domestic chores, often without financial expectations or legal support. Dr Ananya Roy, a prominent sociologist, emphasises the need to recognise unpaid labour, particularly that of housewives, as the invisible backbone of society, calling for acknowledgements of both social justice and economic equity.

A report by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) from 2019-21 correlates financial independence among women with improved health and education for the entire family. According to gender studies expert Dr Sneha Malhotra, financial independence is a cornerstone for women's empowerment, offering choices, a voice, and a sense of agency. Recognising housewives as economic contributors becomes a stepping stone toward breaking dependency, fostering self-reliance, and creating a more equitable society. 

Small Wins

In recent times, societal shifts, rising divorce rates (a 350 per cent increase in the last two years), and legal changes have set the stage for a greater recognition of the contributions of homemakers. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan's 2020 promise to pay salaries to homemakers, a key part of the manifesto of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam , went unrealised after the party’s electoral defeat.

In a groundbreaking decision last year, the Supreme Court of India affirmed the equivalence of a homemaker's work to that of a salaried husband, emphasising its economic impact on the family and the nation. The court had stated, "The issue of fixing notional income for a homemaker serves extremely important functions, signalling a recognition of women's labour, services and sacrifices." This reflects evolving attitudes, international law commitments, and a step toward social equality.

The Madras High Court recently delivered a significant verdict, granting a housewife an equal share in her husband's property, marking the first formal recognition of a homemaker's contribution toward family assets. This landmark ruling by Justice Krishnan Ramasamy is the first time that an Indian court has formally recognised the unappreciated contribution of a housewife to her husband's income. While women's rights activists applaud the decision, the court clarified its non-binding nature on other states unless echoed by the Supreme Court. This ruling emphasises the wife's equal role in acquiring family assets through domestic chores. 

Traditions do Evolve 

In the intricate dance of household dynamics, the often-unseen thread weaving everything together is the labour of housewives. It extends beyond setting the dinner table or tending to children; it involves caregiving, household management, and providing emotional support to family members.

Purvi Mehta, a Mumbai-based homemaker for two decades, emphasises the multifaceted role: "I run a household and manage the lives of six adults, advising them on finances, property decisions, nutrition, and ensuring the smooth functioning of their lives." She humorously adds, "I think my job is the most difficult because I never stop. I don’t get a day off, nor can I seek support from HR or my team leader." In the Indian context, recognising these contributions is not just acknowledgment but a crucial step in dismantling the perception that homemakers are inactive participants in the larger economy.

Home Economics  

Delving into the economic implications of recognising housewives as employees unveils transformative potential for the national economy. Economist Dr Rajesh Mishra points out, "When we acknowledge and compensate homemakers, we are essentially recognising them as economic contributors rather than mere dependents. This shift has a cascading effect on our economy, from increasing tax revenues to bolstering GDP growth."

Statistics from the Ministry of Finance suggest that recognising unpaid housework in GDP calculations could significantly contribute to economic indicators. Dr Nisha Verma, a sociologist, emphasises, “It's not just about paying for services; it's about acknowledging the economic value of homemakers in shaping our society. This recognition is a win-win—economically empowering individuals and fortifying the economic fabric of our nation." Moreover, a study by the McKinsey Global Institute indicates that advancing gender equality in India could add US$770 billion to the country's GDP by 2025. 

Family therapist Alishiya Halaney brings a spiritual perspective to the traditional role of the homemaker, elaborating, "I support the notion that homemakers deserve acknowledgment for their tireless efforts and honed skills, and this recognition should manifest through monetary compensation. Imagine the positive impact if policymakers could weave this into the very fabric of our society, appreciating the daily contributions of homemakers."

In the Indian context, where traditional gender norms often confine women to domestic roles, financial independence emerges as a powerful tool to challenge societal expectations. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) highlights that women with control over their finances are more likely to make better decisions related to their health, education and overall well-being. 

Legalities and Policies

A survey by the Gender Lab at the Indian Institute of Management, Bengaluru, underscores the urgency of challenging the stereotypes that perceive homemakers as ‘unskilled’. This would not only benefit individual homemakers but also reshape societal attitudes towards caregiving, positioning it as a skilled profession deserving of compensation.

Highlighting the paradox, Section 27 of the Indian Constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy emphasises securing a just and humane condition of work and maternity relief. However, the ground reality contradicts this constitutional provision, as housewives continue to face a lack of legal recognition for their labour. 

In the context of unpaid labour, it is imperative to address its definition comprehensively. Unpaid labour extends beyond household chores to encompass emotional labour, caregiving, and community-building activities.  

According to legal expert Priya Pillai, "The law is a reflection of societal values. To truly value the work of homemakers, we need legal frameworks that recognise and compensate them for their invaluable contributions." Policymakers are increasingly recognising the need for a legal framework. The draft bill currently under review in the Indian Parliament seeks to establish guidelines for recognising and compensating homemakers.

Navigating the Challenges

The mere mention of compensating homemakers, however, sparks debates on the economic stage, with critics warning of substantial burdens—potential tax hikes and budgetary strains lurking in the shadows. Chartered accountant Girish Ramnani worries, “Simply defining and valuating the salary component will be a nightmare. Plus the potential worry of tax hikes and new sub-sections that will need to be created could add further complications and concerns to the economics of society.”

Family Lawyer Manali Seth seconds this, stating, “The jurisprudence will play a central role in shaping the legal framework… topics such as minimum hours of work, unionism and statutory benefits, may need careful consideration.” Questions extend far beyond balance sheets. Seth questions, “Does the primary responsibility lie with the working spouse or is it equally shared with the other residents of the home unit? On failure to compensate, is there a guarantor to take on the secondary responsibility in the form of the government or an insurance company? Certainly, at this point, there are more conundrums for the jurists than ever before.” How does this law apply to those already teetering on the brink of poverty, surviving on meagre wages? Will it inadvertently reinforce traditional gender roles, sparking societal repercussions for generations to come? Many worry about disrupting these roles, fearing a shift towards a Westernised ethos deemed too sterile for our cultural palate. 

Yet, history whispers to us, revealing evidence of our ability to refine legislation over time. In championing salaries for homemakers in India, we would honour those who leave professional pursuits to care for their homes and provide them with financial autonomy, considering the challenges of reemployment after a hiatus.

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