Religion and female labor force participation in India

Abstract

This paper primarily aims to identify the impact of religion on currently working women in India by considering the National Family Health Survey 2015–2016 data. It also incorporates several socioeconomics variables as controls. The models are estimated with aggregate as well as disaggregated urban–rural as well as zonal data. The results suggest that compared to the Hindus, Christian and Buddhist women have higher odds of labor force participation and Muslim and Sikh women have lower odds. Extensive analysis of the data indicates that economic well‐being among the Sikhs and the status of being married among the Muslims could be the primary factors responsible for their lower workforce participation. Additionally, lower age, lower education, better economic well‐being, the status of being married, large family size, having only one child, male household heads, and younger children are associated with lower workforce participation. Furthermore, education seems to be more accessible to women from urban areas and wealthier sections. Based on these observations, the study recommends devising policies for greater provisions for higher education in rural areas and among the poorer sections of society. Also, imparting awareness and developing an understanding of the importance of female labor force participation is crucial to improve women's labor force participation in India.