A Study on Urban Scheduled Caste Women Empowerment Through Livelihood Diversification - A Study in Kerala
Anju. A1* and M. Rajeswari2
1*2Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram – 608002 (India) Address for Correspondence : ANJU. A Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Annamalai University – 608002 (India) Email: anju28397@gmail.com Contact details of Authors: 1*Anju. A – 8943303604 ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3917-7096 2Rajeswari – 9443986960
ABSTRACT
This study explores the role of livelihood diversification in empowering urban Scheduled Caste women in Kerala. Livelihood diversification, encompassing a balance between formal employment and informal activities like agrarian work, enhances economic resilience by reducing dependence on a single income source. Programs such as the AUEGP (Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Program) play a crucial role in supporting informal workers, fostering economic stability, and minimizing vulnerabilities. However, the study reveals that wages from both primary and subsidiary livelihoods minimally impact household spending patterns, indicating that income generation alone does not guarantee empowerment. Instead, cultural norms, household dynamics, and restricted autonomy significantly influence financial decision-making and empowerment outcomes. While the majority of respondents perceive livelihood diversification as a vital strategy for economic empowerment, they face substantial challenges. Barriers such as inadequate education, low income, and limited access to modern technology, entrenched social norms, health issues, and low self-esteem hinder progress. Reproductive responsibilities, particularly pregnancy and childbirth, further complicate economic participation.