Women’s Career Orientation and its Perceived Disruption of the Indian Family System: A Socio-Economic Analysis

Abstract

In contemporary India, increasing numbers of women are pursuing education and careers outside the home. While this shift is often lauded as progress toward gender equality and economic development, some scholars, policymakers, and social commentators argue that this trend challenges traditional family structures. This paper explores whether women’s career orientation truly “disturbs” the Indian family system, examining socio-economic data, cultural norms, family roles, gender expectations, and outcomes for both women and families. Through a nuanced review of literature and analysis, the paper argues that career aspirations among women reflect broader structural transitions—economic, cultural, and policy-driven—while the perception of “disturbance” often stems from unequal gender roles and insufficient institutional support for balancing work and family responsibilities.