Changing equations: Empowerment, entrepreneurship and the welfare of women
Capability approach; Domestic sphere; Empower; Entrepreneurship; Liberation; Suppression
The world is a melange of varied cultures and norms. Some are similar, while others are strikingly different from the rest. However, every society has something in common: suppression of their women although the degree and extent may vary. It is not that women are incapable of playing those roles in society which have been dominated by men, but consistent and strategic oppression of the female sex has led many women to consider themselves as weak, powerless and a step below their male counterparts. The waves of feminism and movements to emancipate women have, to a notable extent, changed this perception. However, the world still associates women with the domestic sphere which includes rearing, nurturing and caring for children. While, this is important, this must seldom be the only role played by women. This paper while highlighting the importance of the role of women in the economic and public sphere, shall also explore the various means and steps that have been taken and further measures that can be taken to empower women and encourage entrepreneurship in developing economies such as India. The capability approach and welfare economics by Amartya Sen shall also be explored to understand how best such approaches could benefit the rural women and their empowerment. Developing economies simply cannot ignore even a fraction of their demography. This paper would thus like to bring to the fore that empowerment of women is as important to an economy as it is for their individual well-being, and ultimately their liberation. 2018 Journal of International Women's Studies.
Journal of International Women's Studies, Vol-19, No. 3, pp. 187-198.
Raghunandan V., School of Law, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India