Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Governance
Source: PIB
Context: The Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), revealed a rise in women’s participation in paid employment and caregiving activities.
About Time Use Survey (TUS) 2024:
Key Data Insights & Important Findings from TUS 2024:
• Women’s Participation in Employment & Unpaid Work:
• 25% of women aged 15-59 years participated in employment-related activities (up from 21.8% in 2019). Men spent 132 minutes more than women on employment activities (473 minutes vs. 341 minutes). Women spent 201 minutes more than men in unpaid domestic services (289 minutes vs. 88 minutes).
• 25% of women aged 15-59 years participated in employment-related activities (up from 21.8% in 2019).
• Men spent 132 minutes more than women on employment activities (473 minutes vs. 341 minutes).
• Women spent 201 minutes more than men in unpaid domestic services (289 minutes vs. 88 minutes).
• Caregiving & Domestic Work:
• 41% of women participated in caregiving (vs. 21.4% of men). Women spent 137 minutes/day on caregiving (men: 75 minutes/day). Time spent on unpaid domestic work for women reduced from 315 minutes in 2019 to 305 minutes in 2024.
• 41% of women participated in caregiving (vs. 21.4% of men).
• Women spent 137 minutes/day on caregiving (men: 75 minutes/day).
• Time spent on unpaid domestic work for women reduced from 315 minutes in 2019 to 305 minutes in 2024.
• Learning & Skill Development:
• 89.3% of children (6-14 years) participated in learning activities, spending 413 minutes/day. Time spent on learning activities declined for both genders (males: 415 minutes, females: 413 minutes).
• 89.3% of children (6-14 years) participated in learning activities, spending 413 minutes/day.
• Time spent on learning activities declined for both genders (males: 415 minutes, females: 413 minutes).
• Leisure, Mass Media & Social Activities:
• 11% of daily time was spent on culture, leisure, mass media, and sports (up from 9.9% in 2019). Time spent on socializing and communication remained constant for women (139 minutes), while men’s participation decreased from 147 minutes to 138 minutes.
• 11% of daily time was spent on culture, leisure, mass media, and sports (up from 9.9% in 2019).
• Time spent on socializing and communication remained constant for women (139 minutes), while men’s participation decreased from 147 minutes to 138 minutes.
• Self-Care & Maintenance:
• Individuals aged 6+ years spent 708 minutes/day on self-care activities. Women spent 706 minutes/day, while men spent 710 minutes/day on self-care.
• Individuals aged 6+ years spent 708 minutes/day on self-care activities.
• Women spent 706 minutes/day, while men spent 710 minutes/day on self-care.
Analysis of the Report:
• Positive Trends in the Report:
• Increase in Women’s Workforce Participation: Women’s employment rate rose to 25% from 8% in 2019, showing a shift towards paid work.
• Reduction in Unpaid Domestic Work for Women: Women’s unpaid domestic workload decreased by 10 minutes/day, indicating progress towards gender balance.
• More Recognition of Caregiving Responsibilities: Both men and women saw higher participation in caregiving activities, acknowledging its importance within families.
• Rise in Cultural & Leisure Activities: Time spent on culture, mass media, and sports rose to 11% of daily time from 9% in 2019, improving work-life balance.
• Higher Participation in Learning Activities Among Children: 3% of children (6-14 years) engaged in learning activities, spending 413 minutes/day, showing strong educational engagement.
• Negative Aspects & Challenges in the Report:
• Persistent Gender Disparity in Household Work: Women still spent 201 minutes more than men on unpaid domestic work, reflecting deep-rooted gender roles.
• Decline in Learning Time for Youth: Both men and women spent less time on learning activities (males: -11 minutes, females: -10 minutes), indicating possible educational setbacks.
• Limited Male Participation in Caregiving: Only 4% of men participated in caregiving (vs. 41% of women), reinforcing the burden of care on women.
• Rural-Urban Divide in Employment & Domestic Work: 8% of people in rural areas engaged in self-production activities (vs. 6.2% in urban areas), highlighting economic inequalities.
• Increase in Employment Not Equal to Gender Parity: Despite higher workforce participation, women still spent 132 minutes less than men in employment-related activities.
Way Ahead:
• Promoting Gender Equality in Domestic Responsibilities: Encourage equal sharing of unpaid work through policy interventions and awareness programs.
• Enhancing Women’s Workforce Participation: Introduce flexible work policies, childcare support, and skill development programs to increase women’s employment rate.
• Revitalizing Learning & Skill Development: Strengthen educational infrastructure, promote vocational training, and boost digital learning to improve learning time.
• Reducing Rural-Urban Economic Disparities: Implement rural employment schemes, digital literacy programs, and financial inclusion initiatives to bridge the economic gap.
Conclusion:
While women’s workforce participation has improved, gender disparities in unpaid domestic work and caregiving remain a concern. Addressing these inequalities through policy interventions and social awareness will be key to achieving inclusive development and gender parity.
• Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can the care economy be brought into a monetized economy through women empowerment? (UPSC-2023)