Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between women’s employment and their agency in traditional households in India. Participation in the labor force is usually associated with greater economic empowerment, but how employment translates to increased agency in households remains. Using economic bargaining theories, this study examines how employment is associated with increased agency among women across several domains. Using survey data from India’s DHS on women’s decision-making abilities and employment status, the paper estimates linear probability models to analyze this relationship. Seven decision-making outcomes are used for agency domains that are examined in the methodology. This includes a woman’s say in decisions regarding household purchases, family visits, and other mobility and household matters. The control variables include household characteristics, year, and region that may also influence the agency dynamics. A second round of regressions was run to include relative earnings, as the amount of earnings beyond employment could affect agency. The results show that employment is positively associated with women’s agency in certain domains. Employed women are more likely to have final say in all domains. While making more relative income to her husband shows that the woman is more likely to have final say in some domains. However, the strength of these relationships varies across domains. Overall, the findings of this paper contribute to the literature on women’s agency via household decision-making and labor force participation.

Advisor

Shaukat, Sarah

Department

Economics

Keywords

employment, agency

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2026 Amber Farris