The recent Bollywood film “Mrs,” along with the latest findings from India’s Time Use Survey (TUS), brings attention to the ongoing disparity in domestic labor between men and women in Indian households. The film, a remake of “The Great Indian Kitchen,” highlights the everyday struggles of women who find themselves burdened with unpaid domestic work, often leaving their dreams unfulfilled. Despite being a well-educated society, the stark reality depicted in the film mirrors data suggesting that Indian women spend an overwhelming average of over seven hours a day on domestic chores and caregiving, while men only contribute a fraction of that time.
This disparity is especially significant in a country where gender norms govern household dynamics, even among the educated elite. According to the TUS, the data reveals that Indian women dedicate 289 minutes to unpaid domestic responsibilities, compared to just 88 minutes spent by men. The contrasts extend to caregiving, with women averaging 137 minutes compared to men’s 75 minutes.
Though the recent survey offers a glimmer of hope, noting a slight increase in women’s employment participation (up by three percentage points) and a marginal reduction in time spent on domestic tasks (10 minutes less, on average), the overall picture is less favorable. Experts like Ashwini Deshpande from Ashoka University emphasize that this shift in focus from unpaid to paid work is not a sign of empowerment but rather a necessity born out of economic anxiety, forcing women to juggle dual roles of caregiver and wage-earner.
As the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) climbs from about 23% to 37% between 2017 and 2023, the underlying reality remains: women continue to bear a disproportionate share of both unpaid and paid responsibilities. This scenario not only encapsulates the struggle within Indian households but also resonates on a global scale, illustrating a common challenge wherein women everywhere face an unequal burden of domestic duties.
The societal implications of such data and narratives are profound. The film “Mrs” has opened up critical conversations around gender roles that persist within Indian culture, often being met with resistance, especially from sectors of men who feel threatened. Critics argue that the film perpetuates a negative image of traditional family structures, indicating that change may provoke backlash, which is often common when entrenched societal norms are challenged.
Sociologists and commentators point out that this cultural inertia is rooted in a patriarchal framework that has been historically reinforced by both men and women. Many individuals, regardless of educational background, continue to adhere to conventional gender roles, which poses a persistent challenge to achieving gender equality. The criticism faced by the film serves as a reflection of societal discomfort with confronting uncomfortable truths.
As “Mrs” continues to provoke discussions about gender roles and responsibilities in household settings, it also serves as a reminder that the change is gradual, warranting persistent and collective efforts to alter perspectives. This ongoing conversation encourages advocacy for equitable sharing of domestic work among families, challenging deeply ingrained biases.
As discussions around household chores continue to evolve, it is essential to tackle the prevailing stereotypes head-on. Engaging in dialogues about domestic responsibilities is crucial not just for the empowerment of women but for building more equitable family structures, challenging traditional views, and reshaping the narrative of family roles. For that to happen, society—particularly men—must recognize and acknowledge these disparities to create opportunities for shared labor and a more balanced domestic environment.
In conclusion, the intersection of art and data, as highlighted through “Mrs” and the Time Use Survey, emphasizes the necessity for dialogue in restructuring gender dynamics at home. As long as conversations about who does the dishes remain tethered to cultural norms, the pursuit of true equality continues to be a daunting task. While films like “Mrs” may face pushback, they play a crucial role in highlighting issues that require immediate attention, urging society to confront uncomfortable truths about household dynamics and gender roles, making way for a more balanced future.
