Dynamics of Marriage and Female Labour Participation:Case of India

Abstract

Using nationally representative data for 2011-2012, the paper explores the dynamics of marriage and female labour participation in India. The findings suggest that rural married females have significantly higher chances of seeking work compared with unmarried females. However, the relationship is found to be negative for urban married females. Married females are more likely to get work in both urban and rural areas, implying the prevalence of statistical discrimination in employing unmarried females. Educated married females have higher probability of seeking work, implying that higher education can offset the traditional obstacles leading to higher work participation.