Changing Gender Roles and Men ‘s Participation in Domestic Work-with a Focus on Urban Bangalore

Changing gender roles and men ‘s participation in domestic work in urban Bangalore reflect a complex interplay of economic, cultural, and structural factors. While women have entered the workforce in large numbers, the domestic division of labour remains heavily gendered. The prevalence of paid domestic work in Bangalore particularly in high-income households means that much routine housework is outsourced, potentially masking underlying gender inequalities. However, significant unpaid work remains, particularly in childcare and food preparation, and women continue to bear the primary responsibility for these tasks. The evidence suggests that economic resources alone do not guarantee more equitable domestic arrangements. Cultural norms, gender socialisation, and structural constraints including long working hours and economic precarity continue to shape men‘s participation in domestic work. While many fathers in Bangalore express a desire to be more engaged in caregiving, translating this desire into practice requires addressing both individual and structural barriers. The incomplete revolution in domestic labour thus remains a central challenge for gender equality in urban India. As Bangalore continues to grow and change, understanding and addressing the factors that constrain men ‘s domestic participation will be essential for achieving more equitable and sustainable family arrangements.

1.                Lobo, E., Jeong, J., Babu, G.R., Mukherjee, D., van Schayck, O.C.P., & Srinivas, P.N. (2025). Becoming fathers, becoming caregivers: A qualitative exploration of intersectional influences shaping caregiving in an urban poor South Indian setting. PLOS ONE, 20(10), 1-18.  2.                Ramu, G.N. (1989). Women, Work, and Marriage in Urban India: A Study of Dual- and Single-Earner Couples. New Delhi: Sage Publications.  3.                International Labour Organization. (n.d.). Reproducing a Household: Recognising and Assessing Paid and Unpaid Domestic Work in Urban India. ILO.  4.                Romica, V. (2012). Status of Women in Family: A Study among Women Workers of Organised and Unorganised Sectors in Urban Bangalore. Dissertation, Christ University.  5.                Times of India. (2026). Childcare, housework keep 69% urban women out of work: NSO. July 6, 2026.  6.                Statista. (2023). Work and Home Divided Among Gender Lines in India. March 8, 2023.